F-35 vs. Typhoon... FIGHT!
Many services intending to utilize the F-35 Lightning II will do so as part of a mixed fleet. For example, the USAF will combine the JSF with the F-22 Raptor. The USN and the RAAF will fly the F-35 alongside the F-18E/F Super Hornet. Britain and Italy will combine the F-35 with the Eurofighter Typhoon. Panavia Tornado In both Britain and Italy's case, the F-35 is seen more as an heir apparent to the Panavia Tornado. It should be noted that the Tornado was once considered for Canada's New Fighter Aircraft Program (which resulted in the CF-18), but one of the strikes against it was it was its emphasis on ground attack over air-superiorty. Why are Britain and Italy adamant on flying a mixed force? Because the two aircraft complement each other. The Typhoon's ground attack capability (or lack thereof) is often considered its greatest liability. The F-35, designed from the offset to provide an impressive strike role, has the opposite...