[Retric]

I have some background wargaming for the DoD. As to Red Flag numbers generally reported, it was setup to heavily favor F-35’s. Amusingly at one point they further boosted the K/D ratio after the fact from 15:1 to 20:1.

Actual air war looks very different, with a significant focus on cruse missiles early on etc. But again, comparing the F35 with outdated equipment is missing the point.

[greedo]

Yet you're the one comparing the F-35 to 40+ year old aircraft that would get smoked in combat by the F-35.

[Retric]

No. Modern sensors, communications systems, missiles, etc are absolutely crucial on a modern battlefield.

Further, the F16’s people are talking about very much needed a replacement. The newest was built in 2005 and while it’s a solid multi-role, all weather, air-to-air and air-to-ground fighter the design is showing it’s age.

But, the F35 isn’t simply a modernized F16 now it does stealth, STOVL, etc. So you need to consider what it could have been not compare it to what’s being replaced.

PS: I very much believe stealth aircraft are needed, but the same F35’s are eventually facing the sensors of 2050+. That’s the context where it starts to look very questionable.

[greedo]

Where are you getting your information the the newest F-16 was built in 2005? F-16s are still in production. Whether it's the Block 60 or the Block 70/72, the F-16 is being equipped with AESA, can carry almost every Western weapon, and other than lacking stealth, is still quite competitive in the air.

[Retric]

My understanding was the last US F16 was delivered in 2005 with remaining production going to international partners. EX: https://www.defenseworld.net/news/24742/Lockheed_Martin_Deli...

Modernization of existing aircraft continued, but the US’s physical aircraft are only going to last to ~2040.