First of all, thank you for the super interesting read!
Now, as a Ukrainian I do have a philosophical question of sorts. What we have seen here in a real full-scale combat is that some of the modern machines are way too delicate for actual operations on the ground. For example, I have heard some feedback about the Abrams tank: way too finicky for real use, not durable, not reliable. The same goes about many other western items. (Some hardware demonstrated exceptional reliability, like Bradleys and HIMARS)
My question is about modern fighter jets like F-35.
Does that level of engineering and the amount of delicate electronics somewhat limit the durability and reliability of the airplane compared to much simpler designs?
The F-35 was never really intended to be durable or reliable for ongoing use in long wars of attrition. It was designed to be survivable on penetrating strike missions against near-peer adversaries. Essentially to "kick the door in" and destroy high value targets such as air-defense systems during the first few days of a conflict. War games and simulations have shown that simpler designs can't accomplish that mission anymore so concerns over F-35 durability and reliability are somewhat misplaced (although there is certainly room to improve mission readiness rates).
No one is even remotely contemplating sending F-35s to Ukraine. Besides and costs and security risks, the Ukrainians unfortunately have nowhere near the infrastructure and logistics to sustain such a complex platform.
Ah, so in that case it looks like reliability and durability are not exactly important or desired features for that kind of missions. Did I get it right?
Now, as a Ukrainian I do have a philosophical question of sorts. What we have seen here in a real full-scale combat is that some of the modern machines are way too delicate for actual operations on the ground. For example, I have heard some feedback about the Abrams tank: way too finicky for real use, not durable, not reliable. The same goes about many other western items. (Some hardware demonstrated exceptional reliability, like Bradleys and HIMARS)
My question is about modern fighter jets like F-35.
Does that level of engineering and the amount of delicate electronics somewhat limit the durability and reliability of the airplane compared to much simpler designs?