http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=83502215-e0ee-4f90-a795-62ba6b34e212&

Lockheed maintains that in using the USAF's standard air-to-air engagement analysis model, also used by allied air forces to assess air-combat performance, the F-35 was pitted against all advanced 4th generation fighters in a variety of simulated scenarios. "The results were clear: the F-35 outperformed the most highly evolved fighters in aerial combat by significant margins," Lockheed claims.

"In all F-35 Program Office and US Air Force air-to-air combat effectiveness analysis to date, the F-35 enjoys a significant Combat Loss Exchange Ratio advantage over the current and future air-to-air threats, to include Sukhois," said Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis, F-35 program executive officer.

Recent claims that Russian fighters defeated F-35s in simulated combat are untrue, Davis added.

"The reports are completely false and misleading and have absolutely no basis in fact," Maj. Gen. Davis said. "The August 2008 Pacific Vision Wargame that has been referenced recently in the media did not even address air-to-air combat effectiveness.