I'm a RAAF engineer; there are some pilots that don't like it, but they're in the minority. They're typically the guys that aren't very open minded in general and are literally just making their opinions off low-quality journalism they see on Facebook, etc.
I've spoken to many other pilots and even the star-ranks that are in charge of the program, even dined with the CDF, and they're all firm believers in the jet's capabilities and would love to fly it for a living. I've also done quite a bit of research myself, and the jet's stealth, radar, EO/IR sensors, payload, range and EW capabilities are all top-class, with many being the best in the world.
If I were a knucklehead, I'd definitely trade a Hornet / Super Hornet / Growler for an F-35.
I've spoken to many other pilots and even the star-ranks that are in charge of the program, even dined with the CDF, and they're all firm believers in the jet's capabilities and would love to fly it for a living. I've also done quite a bit of research myself, and the jet's stealth, radar, EO/IR sensors, payload, range and EW capabilities are all top-class, with many being the best in the world.
If I were a knucklehead, I'd definitely trade a Hornet / Super Hornet / Growler for an F-35.