Is the F-22 in active duty? How many have been delivered?
The logistics and support are of course what makes an airforce able to fly missions. Not to knock the JSF (F-35?), but I see it more suitable in an air to ground role then as an interceptor. It's too slow to intercept and force currently operational russian planes away from our borders. Especially so for our arctic terretories.
Yup, F-22 is in active service. Not sure how many or where they are deployed. Doubt they will see battle anywhere any time soon unless they are truly needed. Not sure of status of any export allowances.
Which version of the JSF/F-35 is being considered? If the STOVL version is used a more forward deployment could reduce the need for outright speed in an intercept. Also, for any aircraft type, the time to get in the air is crucial unless you have patrols always up. Another consideration though is whether the plane is for intercept only, or multi-role. If multi-role then you have to choose your compromises. Also, tradeoffs in speed versus range may be important, with the internal storage the JSF may have an edge there - speed may actually be comparable with a weapons load, and range may be better.
