Au contraire, for the UK the F-35 was intended to be a carrier-borne aircraft capable of air defence of naval and ground forces and self-escorting ground attack (as set out in Staff Target 6464).
If it is unable to perform this mission, then it is defective.
Thank you, Mel. Exactly what I've been trying to say.
1. Do you guys really think that a single test pilot's blog post proves (or even just suggests) that the F-35 cannot perform the mission? REALLY?!!! Amazing.
2. If the F-35 cannot perform the mission, then the RAF/RN folks who set down the specifications need to sacked. Perhaps shot.