The only features the F-35 doesn't have for a modern fight are IP ownership and range.

The former was a military procurement mistake and the latter has been worked on for years [0] but never prioritized.

Also, I'm kind of surprised this was published by War on the Rocks, because it leaves a number of extremely relevant topics unmentioned.

The B-21 explicitly addresses both issues above, while mostly resisting the urge to increase size and complexity.

The Air Force is aware of basing vulnerabilities and is looking at multiple solutions (ACE, autonomous tanking, stealth tanking, modular anti-drone aircraft shelters).

The CCA cross-service effort is already targeting pairing >1 UAV to each manned aircraft.

Replicator and other efforts are addressing the "low-at-industrial-scale" problem, and the US just used waves of Shahed clones against Iran.

The article's points would have been more valid 10-15 years ago, but all now have addressing in progress.

[0] https://www.twz.com/air/plans-to-finally-give-f-35-external-...