While watching the RN getting its F-35s up to speed is interesting, I found the ongoing Finnish fighter competition more informative.
According to Aviation Week, the F-35 sales effort was with a 4 aircraft detachment, but did not shine. (
https://aviationweek.com/defense-spa...er-trials-data )
Only two F-35s arrived, but one went unserviceable and the remaining unit was unable to complete all the flights.
It seems that even with 500 aircraft produced, the type is still well short of operational reliability.