[piytar]

Whoever told you that is ignorant or an idiot. Add a gun pod and they are lethal in close quarters. Use their upgraded missiles, and close quarters does not happen.

Again, I think it was the wrong choice, but they are VERY lethal.

[rbg81]

Whoever told you that is ignorant or an idiot.

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I got that impression from a defense blog I read a few years ago. However, it sounds like things may be improving (see below). It’s not an issue I track day-to-day.

https://www.businessinsider.com/f-35-vs-f-16-15-18-lost-beaten-flatley-comeback-2017-4

[rbg81]

I think this is the blog I read at the time:

https://medium.com/war-is-boring/test-pilot-admits-the-f-35-can-t-dogfight-cdb9d11a875

Here is another update. Apparently, the F-35 still loses sometimes, but that is improving. Good news. I have no desire for our side to lose.

https://www.businessinsider.com/f-35-vs-f-15-dogfights-2018-3