F-35 Lightning II: balancing costs with advanced capabilities

The Israeli Air Force has reported successful operations using the F-35 against Iranian defenses without losses, highlighting its capabilities in contested airspace. Despite some concerns over readiness rates due to infrastructure and training challenges as noted by a Government Accountability Report, if these issues were resolved, readiness could match or surpass other U.S. fighters.

Professor Justin Bronks remarked on air forces opting for the F-35 after direct assessments against competitors: "Despite its higher operating costs, every single air force that has been allowed to assess the F-35 directly against its European and US competitors has ultimately opted for the F-35—the operational capability in contested airspace is simply in a different class."

With continued investments such as Block 4 upgrades planned for enhanced capabilities, questions remain about why more countries do not purchase it. The limited number of potential buyers reflects geopolitical considerations; purchasing requires being a close ally of the United States or part of NATO.

Current leading fleet sizes include 1,763 units with the United States Air Force and smaller numbers across allied nations like Japan and Australia.