From Flight Global

 

[excerpt]

 

DATE: 12/09/11

SOURCE: Flight International

Leaked cable spills Belgium’s plans to buy F-35s

By Stephen Trimble

 

A newly-leaked US diplomatic cable provides the first public evidence of the Belgian government's plan to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35 without a competition.

I would have thought that the audience (and staff!) for a magazine called 'Flight International' would be sophisticated enough to recognize that THERE IS NOTHING FOR THE F-35 TO COMPETE *WITH* ...

I would have thought that the audience (and staff!) for a magazine called 'Flight International' would be sophisticated enough to recognize that THERE IS NOTHING FOR THE F-35 TO COMPETE *WITH* ...

 

Certainly that's what Lockheed Martin would like everyone to believe.

I would have thought that the audience (and staff!) for a magazine called 'Flight International' would be sophisticated enough to recognize that THERE IS NOTHING FOR THE F-35 TO COMPETE *WITH* ...

 

Certainly that's what Lockheed Martin would like everyone to believe.

 

*shrug*

 

If you want a stealthy attack jet, it's the only one available. If you don't think you'll need the stealth, there's no reason to even look at it. Either way, there's no competition. (But with that said, in HC terms, the only advantage that an F-35C has over a properly handled F-18E is two extra AIM-120Ds ... )

*shrug* If you want a stealthy attack jet, it's the only one available. If you don't think you'll need the stealth, there's no reason to even look at it. Either way, there's no competition.

 

There remains considerable argument over whether JSF stealth is really that good, given the potential foes it might face, and even if you think you need it, how much do you want to pay for it? Enough to pass on a Block II+ Superbug or Block 60+ F-16 for considerably less coin, including all the trimmings?

 

(But with that said, in HC terms, the only advantage that an F-35C has over a properly handled F-18E is two extra AIM-120Ds ... )

 

While playing your Blockade 2 scenario, with F-35s and Superbugs flying side by side, it was my observation that the only tangible advantage offered by the F-35 was its stealth. And, then, only while facing the most dangerous enemies, e.g. French Rafales. (And the HCDB assumes, of course, that F-35 stealth is really good).