I understand bias, however, let’s try to keep things in perspective when comparing aircraft to aircraft...even if they’re ~40 years apart in design.
There are other notable differences between the two to include; stores weight, internal fuel quantity and the mission systems capability of each aircraft...
The F16 gives up 2 wing stations to 370g fuel tanks and a centerline station for either fuel or EW pod.
The F35 does neither...~18k in internal fuel to the F16s ~7k and EW capability is integrated into the aircraft’s avionics & mission systems.
In addition, the F35 has EOTS for precision [not GPS] guided weapons...read F117 type or better capability.
So from a performance point of view, yes, the F35 is lacking...but again, what are we really trying to compare?
Performance [speed] or actual capability to kick the doors down [stealth/accuracy]?
If one has worked around “fighters” for any length of time, there are always going to be trade offs in certain areas.
The EOTS system? You are bragging that the F-35 has the EOTS? LOL!
Older jets currently in service with the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps can carry the latest generation of sensor pods, which are far more advanced than the EOTS sensor carried by the F-35. The latest generation pods—the Lockheed Martin Sniper ATP-SE and Northrop Grumman LITENING-SE—display far clearer high-definition video imagery in both in the infrared and optical spectrum—and from greater distances. Further, both pods have the ability to beam those full-motion video feeds to ground troops, which provides those forces with vital intelligence information.
Both pods also incorporate the ability to mark targets with an infrared laser beam—which the EOTS lacks—that helps pilots and ground controllers coordinate their attacks.
But the F-35 moonpig is stuck with mid 90s tech because of this two decade gestation period.
Im happy that you can earn your living doing something, somewhere with the 35, but just be grateful for the work. Don’t try to convince us that the 35 is anything buy a giant step backwards.