Quote by Hempy: the Typhoon was 9 years between the prototypes first flight and the mature aircrafts operational acceptance. Even then the delays (54 months in total) were political, not mechanical.
It will be interesting to see politically what happens when the US Congress returns from their vacation. One of the first items of business will be the budget. Without an overall budget another defense sequester cut will take place. The Congressional folks that review the proposed defense budget have made it clear they will not approve the USAF budget due to elimination of the A-10 Warthog. If this happens as advertised, it will put additional pressure on financing the F-35 program according to the Pentagon gurus. Should be an interesting month or two ahead, both technically and politically for the F-35.