If we think of the F-35 as needing to be a dogfighter like previous fighters then it's a dud. However, when you consider the tactics and deployments possible w

If we think of the F-35 as needing to be a dogfighter like previous fighters then it's a dud. However, when you consider the tactics and deployments possible when using a fighter that cannot be seen on radar (until it's a lot closer than, say, an F-18E) then you enable attack plans where the F-35s launch and deploy first and the non-stealth F-18s go second... which prompt enemy fighter pilots to scramble and then say things like "Holy crap, where did that missile come from?" as their final words because the F-35s were already in missile range when they left the runway. This leaves the path clear of enemy fighters for the bomb trucks to come in and do their thing while the enemy reels in confusion at seeing their fighter response removed from the board minutes after going wheels up.