F-35C has the real estate to fit more than 4 x AIM-120 internally. LM even have a 'demonstration' rig on how they can achieve this and it really is possible to do so. With an external AIM-120 loadout to add to the internal carriage capability, F-35 would match or even exceed carriage capability of modern 4th Gen platforms and still remain more stealthy than Typhoon.
Typhoon has a mech-scan radar designed in the 1980s; F-35 has the world's most advanced AESA radar currently fielded - it's in a different league altogether. So, until a Typhoon export comes with a proven, capable AESA radar it's 'money for old rope'
I'd bet on a deal between the US and Japan, for what it's worth. Why? If the Japanese were prepared to part with the cash for F-22 ($200M per copy?), $$ are clearly not a huge concern in their final choice; 5th gen capabilities are.
Last edited by ICBM; 9th October 2011 at 20:45.
Reason: Spolling