This might be correct but I don't think the Ukraine war is demonstrative because neither side had the capability to establish air superiority.
They also shot down seven MQ-9 drones [2].
I don't know how close Houthis were to actually shoot down that F-35 (probably not that close). But if their Iranian SAMs can threaten F-35s, what can state of the art Chinese or Russian systems do? Could NATO even establish air superiority in Ukraine?
[1] https://www.twz.com/air/f-35-had-to-maneuver-to-evade-houthi...
[2] https://www.twz.com/u-s-mq-9-drone-shot-down-by-iranian-back...
I don’t disagree with the general discussion; but it’s worth remembering the US would also change tactics against Russia or China.
But my point is that the actual effectiveness of US forces against top-tier Russian or Chinese integrated air defense systems is unknown. And getting more unknown by the day rather than less.
China is a whole other story and honestly I'm ok never finding out that answer.
In Ukraine there is no establishing superiority without occupying Russian territory.
I used to draw mushroom clouds against hills in the 80s. I do not want to see NATO in Russia. I only want Russia out of Ukraine.