Depends what speed you are calling 'cruise', LM is M1.5 plus isn't it?
the f-35 is a 750 kt limited to M1.6, I'll let the experts do the alt and speed conversions, but I work it out to be M1.6 in the low 20k ft and at 35k ft the AB will be well backed off
When asked, Lt. Col. Hank "Hog" Griffiths is also quoted as saying the f-35a will do M1.25 in dry.
and
http://www.airforce-magazine.com/Mag...112fighter.pdf
The F-35, while not technically a “supercruising” aircraft, can maintain
Mach 1.2 for a dash of 150 miles without using fuel-gulping afterburners.
“Mach 1.2 is a good speed for you, according to the pilots,” O’Bryan said
The high speed also allows the F-35 to impart more energy to a weapon such as a bomb or missile, meaning the aircraft will be able to “throw” such munitions farther than they could go on their own energy alone."
that's M1.2 dry with with bombs and missiles, no 4.5 gen can match that