My biggest argument towards the F-35 is it is a single engine aircraft, especially for a low and slow ground attack role.
If one engine goes out for whatever reason, it’s down.
The A-10, F-15 and F-22 are superior for that reason only, not to mention the myriad of other problems the F-35 has encountered during it’s production history.
I understand that the F-35 was intended to be a JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) not only for the US, but for many of our allies, but that is a huge role for a single engine aircraft to achieve.
The F-35 will never replace all of the roles the A-10, F-15 and F-22 not to mention the Harrier and the F-16 within one airframe, especially if it is single engine.
An aircraft that expects to be the best in every role, is relegated to be mediocre, at best, in any role, most notably if it is single engine.
I feel the Pentagon must re-evaluate the F-35 before relegating current inventories to the trash heap.