Yeah. Not to mention the self defense tech and weapons shields that the associated boats that travel with an aircraft carrier will be equipped with.
Jesus H. Happened upon the State of the Union address in the early hours.
It's terrifying to think this is the 'western civilization' that's so worth protecting. Apparently.
I've only seen a clip but not surprised the camera focused on the lady wearing a Hijab shouting (there were plenty of other voices heard).
The media seem to have reached the bottom of the barrel and gone deeper.
The US Navy tried it with one of their own carriers. They weren't trying to sink it, but just see what kind of damage they can withstand, so that they could incorporate that knowledge into newer ships. Answer: A huge amount."But at the same time, the tests were not meant to truly sink her immediately. Thus, there was no “shoot to kill” mindset of the naval officers conducting the test, versus the whole point of attacking enemy battleships was to sink them."
So not quite as good as it sounds.
I had a quick look at CNN's page before riding to work. They pulled Trump's "Address to the Nation" to bits concerning the number of lies and exaggerations backed up with the Govt's own figures.
CNN front page - 'Dozens of FBI files missing relating to Trump' etc. This won't see the light of day until he's dead, will it ?
CNN front page - 'Dozens of FBI files missing relating to Trump' etc. This won't see the light of day until he's dead, will it ?
This is the thing that will bring him and his enablers down, though it's taking forever with the chaotic way the Dems are (not) organised. This and the money wasted on ICE that could gave supported welfare and medical costs.
Saw a report that the guy shot dead at Mar A Lago was a white Christian MAGA who wanted the files released. The fact that the nutjobs radicalised by your own rhetoric are after you says it all.
Trumps handling of the Epstein files has been shambolic but it’s a bit rich for the democrats to act all high and mighty about it now.
Maybe so, but remember Trump made much of releasing these files when running for his second term. People are only asking him to do what he said he'd do when asking for votes.
exactly, Trump reveled in the conspiracies and loved saying they implicated Clinton
turns out they implicate Trump far more than they do Clinton, and some of teh accusations against him are horrendous, his governments woeful mishandling of the release has only made teh conspiracy nuts worse
he owns this mess
Is anyone actually planning a trip to the US these days?A friend of mine visits once a quarter, has been for 10+ years (works in IT security for one of the big financial institutions). Used to do a couple of days in each of three locations (business/USHQ in NYC then two of their tech hubs) lots of flying, lots of opportunities for immigration/travel related screw ups.
Which is one reason why the last trip was cut short and they flew home on the first available flight.
They're only letting those with US passports go now.
Is anyone actually planning a trip to the US these days?
It going to make for interesting finances for anyone involved World Cup and the Olympics planning. The World Cup particularly as its hosted across Canada, Mexico and the US. Fans following South American teams in particular are going to relish be crossing in and out of US borders repeatedly between matches!
The US Navy tried it with one of their own carriers. They weren't trying to sink it, but just see what kind of damage they can withstand, so that they could incorporate that knowledge into newer ships. Answer: A huge amount.
Its one thing it being able to absorb a lot of damage before it sinks - however, I doubt there were any people on the carrier when they did the test to gauge how many of the average 5000 personnel would be killed or injured.
The point is Iran would very likely be able to cause casualties on the US strike group. Its a certainty they couldnt win against the USA, its a good guess they wouldn`t be able to sink any of the ships .. but its very likely they would cause casualties upon the US.
exactly, Trump reveled in the conspiracies and loved saying they implicated Clinton
turns out they implicate Trump far more than they do Clinton, and some of teh accusations against him are horrendous, his governments woeful mishandling of the release has only made teh conspiracy nuts worse
he owns this mess
He obviously knew he was likely to feature heavily in the files so must have known this is what he'd have to do when he got in. Bluster, deflect and delay hoping everyone would get bored and give up on it.
He really couldn't give a flying **** - so long as he got off the charges and could prolong the grift. I don't get the feeling there's ever a long term plan for anything.
Ukraine has shown that very cheap drones can sink some very big expensive ships
Iran has no doubt gained a lot of experience from the Russia/ Ukaine war, not sure what their aquatic drone situation is like but their aerial ones are not to be sniffed at and they have the production capacity to be a serious worry, drone swarms overwhelming defences has been very effective for Russia
Ukraine has shown that very cheap drones can sink some very big expensive ships
The ships attacked by Ukrainian drones were fast patrol boats, and the level of damage is unconfirmed. The Moskva was sunk using trad anti-ship missiles.
The point is Iran would very likely be able to cause casualties on the US strike group.
I think Iran has the theoretical capability to strike the carriers and surrounding ships, but US warships in the Carrier Group aren't defenseless by any stretch of the imagination either. Whether it would be 1. at all successful, or 2. a good idea or not hopefully remains theoretical. With the Trump administration looking for any reason at all to go straight to shooting at things, launching any sort of attack on a carrier seems a v stupid thing to do.
The point is Iran would very likely be able to cause casualties on the US strike group. Its a certainty they couldnt win against the USA, its a good guess they wouldn`t be able to sink any of the ships .. but its very likely they would cause casualties upon the US.
I would imagine that if the US decided to attack Iran, part of the first wave would involve pre-emptively attacking facilities they'd consider capable of threatening their carrier group in retaliation. Unless Iran's anti-shipping capability is very well concealed and/or dispersed they may struggle to effectively deploy it following a well planned and executed US attack. And no matter what we think about their current US political leadership, the US navy seems to be a far more competent organisation than the Russian Navy, so I think that any Movska-like upsets in the Gulf are unlikely.
On the other hand while I think that any attack by the US on Iran would be very unpleasant for the country and the regime I wouldn't really want to go giving odds about which country would "win". Because if you define the American win condition as a successful regime change in Iran to a more Western-friendly government before Trump loses interest or US casualties start occurring in numbers the media choose to make a big deal about then I'm not really sure those objectives would be met.
Unless Iran's anti-shipping capability is very well concealed and/or dispersed they may struggle to effectively deploy it following a well planned and executed US attack.
Iran is practically surrounded by mountains making it almost like a fortress. I recently watched/listened to US `experts` explaining how Iran have been building underground bunkers/silos/etc in these mountains and valleys. The `experts` explained that when the US were hunting for the scud launchers in Iraq years ago they didn`t actually find and destroy any of them .. and that was in a desert, whereas Irans geography makes locating anything 1000x more difficult.
Iran have been on the US hit list for many years - no doubt they have been preparing how to defend themselves and make any attacker pay a painful price.
The ships attacked by Ukrainian drones were fast patrol boats
Tankers and submarines too, no?
And no matter what we think about their current US political leadership, the US navy seems to be a far more competent organisation than the Russian Navy, so I think that any Movska-like upsets in the Gulf are unlikely.
I have no doubt that this is true but I recently read Annie Jacobsen excellent book "Nuclear War" which, amongst other things, revealed that the much vaunted US (land-based) anti-ICBM missile defence amounted to a measly stock of ~44 missiles with a predicted 50% success rate. Russia has something like 1600 nuclear weapons (not sure how many are ICBMs)...
Anyway, if true, those figures seem to suggest there's a lot of bluster to the US Military doctrine and it would be "interesting" to know what the actual US Navy defence capabilities are for an "overwhelming" swarm attack of Iranian drones. As pointed out, it only takes one successful hit for the Iranians to win the PR war...
.....
Trump might have been a bit previous claiming the released Epstein files exonerate him - After carefully filtering out all the evidence relating to Trump form the released files the DOJ failed to cover their tracks - they left an important page in - the index
The materials are F.B.I. memos summarizing interviews the bureau did in connection to claims made in 2019 by a woman who came forward after Mr. Epstein’s arrest to say she had been sexually assaulted by both Mr. Trump and the financier decades earlier, when she was a minor.
The existence of the memos was revealed in an index listing the investigative materials related to her account, which was publicly released. According to that index, the F.B.I. conducted four interviews in connection with her claims and wrote summaries about each one. But only one summary of the four interviews, which describes her accusations against Mr. Epstein, was released by the Justice Department. The other three are missing.
After carefully filtering out all the evidence relating to Trump form the released files the DOJ failed to cover their tracks - they left an important page in - the index
Remind me what's that phrase about it always being the cover up that gets you
Trumps handling of the Epstein files has been shambolic but it’s a bit rich for the democrats to act all high and mighty about it now.
My logical theory is that there are some high power blues and/or blue donors that are balls deep in this, too.
If that were not the case, Biden could have nailed Trump and the whole god damned GOP to the wall over this during his tenure... but he didn't.
He towed the line.
It was an open goal, total, easy, and complete destruction of all your political opponents in one fell swoop...
So why didn't Joe stand up?
So why didn't Joe stand up?
Because his entire life has been spent swimming upstream through the swamp and whilst he “may” be entirely squeaky clean I’m sure he’s had help from many that are not so cleann
So why didn't Joe stand up?
Because his entire life has been spent swimming upstream through the swamp and whilst he “may” be entirely squeaky clean I’m sure he’s had help from many that are not so cleann
Don't bite the hand that feeds you, that kinda thing? 😉
Bay of Pigs 2. The 🇺🇸 need to ask their Russian mates for lessons in state subterfuge.
Bay of Pigs 2.
Who the **** fires on the coast guard, apart from CIA, drug dealers or smugglers?? 😉
This is gonna be interesting but I doubt we'll ever get the truth of what happened, or why...
Speaking of pigs...
It seems the 'strict borders of the USA' are pretty porous if your face fits the agenda, it doesn't even matter if you have previous criminal convictions.
Iran is practically surrounded by mountains making it almost like a fortress.
Iran still exists in the way it does because it's more or less invasion proof.
Vice-Admiral and assistant to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has been removed from his post. The JCS advise SecWar, so maybe something was said about the build-up to Iran.
He'll stay in the USN
U.S. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher has been removed from his position as director of the Joint Staff after only taking the post in December, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
Vice-Admiral and assistant to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has been removed from his post. The JCS advise SecWar, so maybe something was said about the build-up to Iran.
Another adult thrown out of the room.
to know what the actual US Navy defence capabilities are for an "overwhelming" swarm attack of Iranian drones.
This isn't a thing. The military drones that Iran predominantly operates; The Shahed and probabaly the Russian built derivative the Geran 2 aren't that sort of drone. They have a good range (up to 400km reportedly) so they can get to the fleet, but at the expense of warhead, they carry something like 30-50kg of explosives, plus they're ground launched and designed for ground targets - They are generally regarded as one of the better 'suicide drones' - so much so, that the US copied it; The general rule of thumb for modern warships is you need a kg of explosives per tonne of ship to do any sort of damage. These sorts of drones - if they got anywhere near a carrier (which I doubt they could given the EW capability of the Carrier fleet) would be a mosquito bite.
The biggest threat is Iranian submarines (the Fatah class). They have (again reportedly) torpedoes that have about equivalent of 550kgs of TNT and if one of those detonates under the keel of a ship say of about 270,000 tonnes - like some of the support vessels around the fleet, it's likely going to break it's back and sink it. They have reportedly managed to follow a US Navy sub undetected, (the USS Florida a couple of years ago) so I'd imagine that's the thing keeping the US Navy awake at night rather than drones.
So why didn't Joe stand up?
Because : 1. Separation, the Biden administration didn't want to be seen interfering with DoJ investigations (like any normal administration) 2. the files aren't just a big pile of documents in one building, They are a compilation of stuff stretching back decades across numerous state and federal agencies, grand juries, and court cases. It includes indictments, plea agreements (Epstein’s 2008 plea deal), search and arrest warrants, trial transcripts and exhibits, sentencing memorandum and so on. Some of these are public by default unless judges ruled to seal them, which they did in some cases. 3. Numerous civil lawsuits filed by victims and others placed information on the public record through the exchange of written discovery, such as emails, internal correspondence, financial records and testimony - It was all there all the time anyway.
Another category of records is grand jury materials, including transcripts, testimony by witnesses, and exhibits. These were at the time confidential under US law, that would've required a court order — or legislation by Congress authorizing their release - which Biden wouldn't have got.
Speaking of pigs...
It seems the 'strict borders of the USA' are pretty porous if your face fits the agenda, it doesn't even matter if you have previous criminal convictions.
Speaking of pigs…..His face also fits with Netanyahu and his army of ghouls,
Iran still exists in the way it does because it's more or less invasion proof.
I've recommended the Tim Marshall books on here a few times, because they're absolutely fascinating and brilliantly written, but in this one he explains why Iran is basically a natural fortress and is indeed pretty much invasion-proof, hence the Iranians generally behaving like the French in the castle in The Holy Grail
So when Trump was brain-farting his way into trying to understand why Iran 'hadn't just capitulated already', maybe someone should have handed him a map?
Maybe Vice Admiral Fred Kacher did exactly that, hence his removal?
Another adult thrown out of the room
Apparently he been replaced by a chap from fox news who proved his military acumen during a stag do weekend of paint balling..
I jest, but I wouldn’t be surprised
But didn't Top Gun 2 take out the Iranian underground uranium enrichment plant?
Thanks. Gotta stop watching these documentaries.
WTF? this is really beyond satire isn't it?
Melania Trump to lead UN security council session, White House says
First lady to preside over meeting on ‘children, technology and education in conflict’ in New York next month
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/melania-trump-un-security-council
Well, who'd have thought that President Trump's efforts to make Europe independent of the US comfort blanket and the repeated cutting of weapon supply and intelligence to Ukraine would result in reduced weapons sales?
The lack of US production volume to replenish stocks hasn't helped, intensified by occasional bouts of US need over-riding paying customers.
Tomahawk cruise missile production, for example, ranges from around 3 to 6 per month (c$2mn each). President Biden's administration got rid of more than 80 in one night against Houthi targets in Yemen in January 2024. This was arguably unnecessary; the RAF used cheaper and more numerous Paveway IV bombs (c£30k each). A similar pattern was repeated earlier this year.
The US 43% share of the world arms market is in danger.
"Washington has already managed to obtain guarantees from the Saudi side that it will not purchase ****stani JF-17 aircraft. Earlier, the possibility of writing off Islamabad’s debts in exchange for the supply of these fighter jets was discussed, but under pressure from the USA, this process was stopped."
"The White House’s main complaint is that the funds that could be invested in the Turkish KAAN are actually being taken from the budget for the purchase of American products. The Trump administration seeks to secure the status of the USA as the sole supplier of weapons to the kingdom" (of Saudi Arabia).
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/usa-saudi-arabia-****stani-turkish-jets/“Although the Trump administration has repeatedly told Europeans that it wants them to take primary responsibility for the continent’s conventional defense, the United States does not want this to happen at the expense of pushing American defense companies out of the market,” Politico emphasized.
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/usa-warns-eu-consequences-rejecting-weapons/
Sources:
https://www.aei.org/op-eds/why-is-the-u-s-navy-running-out-of-tomahawk-cruise-missiles/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-air-strikes-against-houthi-military-targets-in-yemen--2
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/us_orders_additional_tomahawk_cruise_missiles_even_cheaper_due_to_large_order-16960.html
Rarely has the expression "You can't have your cake, and eat it" been more relevant on the world political stage, eh?
WTF? this is really beyond satire isn't it?
What language will she be speaking in? Heaven help the UN interpreters if she tries it in English
Timba - not just Europe - Canada is looking at using European tech not US ie Grippon fighters
TJ, Gripen, please.
Grippon makes them sound like some kind of heavy use washing-up gloves.
Timba - not just Europe - Canada is looking at using European tech not US ie Grippon fighters
Been looking at it for years.
One of the key sticking points was interoperability with US kit, IIRC.
Is this new news?
From the poor sources I have seen yes - its a real shift in Canadas response but defense stuff I know little about. Canada has been offered a very good deal and it looks like they might take it. Not just to buy the planes but to do assembly in Canada creating lots of jobs and also tech transfer - but its not an area I know a lot about
Edit - also a link up with bombadier
IIRC Canada had a similar wobble with regards to the F-35 under Trudeau. That time they looked at it and in the end agreed to stick with the F-35 but it seems like to some extent it's been an ongoing issue there.
assembly in Canada creating lots of jobs and also tech transfer
The list of 'tech' in the JAS-39 that is made in the USA from engines to life support to avionics to landing gear to the weaponry it carries is so broad that it's subject to export controls. Should they want to, the US defence industry could make it pretty difficult to build.
The main issue for Gripen is to remove ITAR certified stuff - they’re already working on a new engine and no doubt lots of other systems. Not insurmountable but just takes time. The US threat of a ‘kill switch’ on F35 is another factor. Operationally, Gripen makes a lot of sense when you’re dealing with dispersed aircraft in cold places - exactly what Gripen was designed for. F35 whilst technically superior needs a lot more maintenance per flying hour using specialist techs and kit. Gripen was designed to be maintained by auto technicians and flow from roads, not hardened runways.
Lots of problems with the carrier Gerald R. Ford deployed to the Gulf - already well beyond it’s intended 6 month tour and lots issues with it’s sewage plant (notoriously unreliable on big ships) and dealing with lots of blockages due to clothing items mysteriously getting ‘flushed’. 5,000 people on a ship with no working toilets in a hot climate anyone?
5,000 people on a ship with no working toilets in a hot climate anyone?
It’s a big ship - they can probably all shit over the side simultaneously.
It’s a big ship - they can probably all shit over the side simultaneously
I always wondered why it was called the poop deck.
Lots of problems with the carrier Gerald R. Ford deployed to the Gulf
Keep up
It's now the 'USS Donald J Trump and Gerald R Ford'.
Particularly now the toilets are blocked
5,000 people on a ship with no working toilets in a hot climate anyone?
People pay good money for that
The main issue for Gripen is to remove ITAR certified stuff - they’re already working on a new engine and no doubt lots of other systems. Not insurmountable but just takes time.
the new engine is a development of another US design. There's talk about it using a French Snema M88, but that's not what the Canadians are thinking of buying, the rest of the plane has so much US made/designed equipment on it, it would effectively be a new airplane and take as long to develop - the first flight of the JAS39 was in 1988, and the oldest in service planes are coming up to retirement now - having been in service from 1993. The JAS 39 was built for the Swedes, who have an a unique doctrine about their defence which is wildly different to the needs of the Canadians. the common factor is they're both a bit snowy in the winter time.
Operationally, Gripen makes a lot of sense when you’re dealing with dispersed aircraft in cold places
The Canadians had a fly off of the JAS39 and the F35, and the F35 proved it worked equally well in cold conditions and from rough/unprepared areas/airstrips. The F35-B and -C models are designed to be flown from aircraft carriers and operate in some of the harshest conditions that fast jets are exposed to. The same fly off, the JAS scored 20 out of 60 and the F35 scored 57 out of 60, of the Canadians own operational requirements
The US threat of a ‘kill switch’ on F35 is another factor.
Say it with me now: There is no F35 kill switch. This conspiracy just needs to die. The F35 doesn't need a kill switch, it is perhaps the most effective warplane in the sky now because it's linked to a couple of systems; ALIS and ODIN (you can look them up if you want) turn those off - which the US can do; and the F35 becomes less 'situationally aware' you can still fly it and operate it. it's just won't link to the satellite systems. Given that the major role of the Canadians is slowing down the Russians invading from the Kamchatka peninsula into Northern America, and is fully integrated into USAF air defence systems; the USA has no good reasons to do that.
The decision for the Candians is entirely political, and I can understand why they're struggling, but ultimately it would be a real downgrade in their capability. The Canadians are looking to replace their aging CAF-18 fleet (licensed built F-18) for the next 30 years. To replace that airplane with another of similar capability, age, technology, makes zero sense.
It’s a big ship - they can probably all shit over the side simultaneously
I always wondered why it was called the poop deck.
Just want you to know that this genius comment was appreciated and should not be lost in all this fighter jet nonsense
The F35's must be big money to service and keep operational (never mind the F22). Gripen and Typhoons are serious bits of kit that don't need the kids gloves - quite striking to see some in service Typhoons vs the F35's at RIAT a couple of years ago. Typhoons were grubby, and one was leaking fluids (with a tray). Performance wise, the Typhoons are incredible.
F15E, Typhoons etc are all upgraded with the latest electronics so are keeping up with the tech in the F35, although can't sneak up quite the same, but they can carry loads more weapons.
The issue is the F35's aren't cheap to run, never mind buy.
Come shove, if budgets are tight, you aren't buying many F35's.
Israel are prosecuting targets in Iran. The US has not confirmed their involvement yet.
Israel and USA have just attacked Iran....
One thing Starmer has got right is publicly distancing the UK from this the other week as rhetoric was ramping up...... It's gonna get messy.
Trump has confirmed involvement:
"we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally ... obliterated."
Israel are prosecuting targets in Iran. The US has not confirmed their involvement yet.
BBC have now updated with Trumps confirmation.
Twas only a matter of time. Shame for the civilians that will undoubtedly suffer as a result.
As for getting messy. I would say it is messy from the minute the first piece of ordinance hits a target. Both literally and figuratively.
Such is the nature of offensive operations.
He's been spoiling for a fight since not getting the Nobel Peace Prize. He needs another war starting that he can then claim to end.
"we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally ... obliterated."
I just heard that on the radio. It sounded AI generated.
He's been spoiling for a fight since not getting the Nobel Peace Prize. He needs another war starting that he can then claim to end.
"we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally ... obliterated."
I just heard that on the radio. It sounded AI generated.
I pulled the quote from the BBC, the Indy are reporting the same...
No one is surprised, the conspiracy loon in me notes that Clinton testifying about Epstein wont be the top news story!
No one is surprised, the conspiracy loon in me notes that Clinton testifying about Epstein wont be the top news story!
I think there's some truth in there... It really wouldn't supprise me if trump started a war as a distraction tactic for his domestic aucience, he's getting desperate.
No one is surprised, the conspiracy loon in me notes that Clinton testifying about Epstein wont be the top news story!
I think there's some truth in there... It really wouldn't supprise me if trump started a war as a distraction tactic for his domestic aucience, he's getting desperate.
He has with Israel. They have started bombing Iran overnight. Nothing good is going to come out of that
Ay up, the russians have commented now, as well.
Russia says Trump has 'once again showed his true colours'
Russia’s deputy chairman of the Security Council has accused Donald Trump of using nuclear talks with Iran as a cover-up ahead of military operations.
Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, said: "The peacemaker once again showed his true colours. All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything.
Now then, this all sounds somehow... familiar? 🤔
He's been spoiling for a fight since not getting the Nobel Peace Prize. He needs another war starting that he can then claim to end.
Only yesterday (maybe the day before) he'd very conveniently been handed a brand new one between Pak*stan and Afghanistan. Not good enough, apparently 🤷
Trumps announcement of the bombing of Iran made him, and USA, look unhinged. Wearing a USA baseball cap whilst calling for regime change didn`t do anything to convince the need or legitimacy for bombing of another country .. but I guess Trump is only after the USA-USA chanting red neck MAGA crowd.
I really don`t see Iran rolling over. We are/were going to Dubai in 2nd week March ..
Oh FFS is my thought. ****ing Israel as well.
I wouldn't be going to Dubai, BBC announced someone killed from missile intercept.
Just heard Trump's rant. This won't end well. He's bringing up historical issues way back !
I really don`t see Iran rolling over. We are/were going to Dubai in 2nd week March ..
This is going to go flat out IMHO, rather than the "limited" action that we saw last summer.
If only there was a process of sanctions control, international inspections, diplomacy and enforcement in place at the beginning of Trump 45.
Having pushed and threatened, moved two carrier groups and the rest and now started an attack there isn't an option apart from destroying Iran's missile stocks and production, other than regime change to remove the decision makers.
The US doesn't produce AD missiles in adequate numbers to sit back and knock everything out of the sky; their missile production is intended to buy time while US forces deal with the source.
They don't produce the Tomahawks to do everything by remote control; the US fired a years worth of production in one day in 2024.
The US has stocks, but it doesn't take much imagination to see that when they start burning those it's a potential invitation for other hawkish nations to embark on their own adventure, following the legal precedent set by the US.
Much as I don’t want it to happen the real trouble will kick off when American service personnel start coming home in body bags. The only questions really are where, when and how effective will Irans retaliation to the declaration of war by USA and Israel
Currently at Glasgow Airport on my way to Italy
Carnage at check in as 500+ people bound for Dubai found out their flight is cancelled...
F15E, Typhoons etc are all upgraded with the latest electronics so are keeping up with the tech in the F35, although can't sneak up quite the same, but they can carry loads more weapons.
The issue is the F35's aren't cheap to run, never mind buy.
Come shove, if budgets are tight, you aren't buying many F35's.
Typhoon is more per flight hour than the Lightning IIRC? Not sure the "more weapons" thing is true?
Eagle is nearly 30 years beyond last manufactured airframe now. You might get more orders for Growlers though if cost is a factor but that's not going to work for the air force needs.
Loads of flights in from the US to Dubai stopping all over Europe. One from Dublin got as far as Bosnia now nearly back in Dublin.