Except when it comes to the F-35s primary mission, which is dropping air to ground ordnance.
But to a non-expert in such matters, it seemed too pricey.
You are correct about the aircraft’s primary mission.
That being the case, though, doesn’t logic dictate that it be classified as an [A]ttack plane or a [B]omber instead of as a [F]ighter?
There is a lot of competition for that job. Not to mention a fairly expensive way to do it. They just need to add curb feelers and be done with it.
But the Navy will be relying on the F-35 for air superiority also the Air Force only less than 200 F-22s in service.