F35 is networked heavily, for its sensor fusion and various abilities. It has probably 25 million LOC and is heavily software dependent. It should be viewed somewhat as a closed software product that needs heavy vendor support right from mission planning.

You don't have to use the ALIS in an F35.

Israel uses it's own version of ALIS it co-developed with India and France (forgetting the name - will add once I remember).

The fusion aspect was added because of NATO's Air Force fusion/unified command policy in Europe and MENA before the current administration.

> forgetting the name

BNET and IAI+Thales+BEL's Datalink

Yes, but also no.

Some of the capabilities, sure -- you're never going to be able to use them if you don't have the things it needs to talk to.

The lack of those things don't turn it into a brick. It's still a highly capable fifth gen LO fighter/bomber without them.