One argument I would have with the article is that the pricing comparison between the Griffin and the F-35C is that its not a consistent valuation valuation. From my understanding the Canadian valuation includes consumable materials usage and spare parts, whereas the 80 million per copy Griffin is just the air craft cost.
Going from memory the JAS-39 is not stealth or low observable so I don't think that you can argue the same size airforce. With the F-35 the argument is that with a harder to kill low observable aircraft you can have a smaller airforce because your kill ratio is higher. With the JAS-39 your almost going to have to buy more planes.
The F-35 also kills the JAS-39 on the digital battlefield it has far better data links and over all situational awareness capability then the Eurofighter or the Griphen.
I get that its cheaper, but in the end is it a better value for longer? I don't know, I don't believe so, I find it hard to compare a Generation 5 aircraft to generation 4 to 4.5 aircraft.
the rest I'll have to review when I get a chance, its an interesting argument.
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