Looking back at HN F-35 posts is interesting. Up until the Russian invasion of Ukraine, almost all press coverage and popular opinion was that this aircraft is an expensive boondoggle which can’t dogfight. I think that since Ukraine, the need for advanced fighter aircraft has been made. Additionally, the unit cost of the F-35 today is a bargain, cheaper than the Rafale, and even the Chinese J20 (allegedly).

30 years from now, I think this program will be seen as a massive success. Countries are lining up to order these, which is a massive geopolitical benefit to the US. Drone warfare will be increasingly important, but at least in this decade, I don’t think we’ll see autonomous fighters that have the sorts of capabilities 5th gen fighters have.