thats an odd take on the stance the US military, I'd lean more towards them folding into the JSDF as a foreign contingent, and while the F-2 was jointly developed, it lacks the same interoperability with radar and other combat systems that the F-35 can achieve, especially with data link and their cruisers/destroyers. I wouldn't be operating the F-35 as a direct combat airframe, it would be better suited to targeting assistance and battle space identification. I'd also like to add the F-35 would be able to use higher tier LRASM, I don't care if their tech is low, they have fucking magic and no way would I risk limited air assets on the gamble they can't use some god-like powers. I would be less worried about the stealth-tech and more frame hours, the sensors are just better and should be utilized to their max before they finally give out. No chance to replace those at all.