
The key thing you’re missing here is that the programming of the ECM pod, the thing that makes the F-35 able to do what it does, the thing it’s just an average 6th gen fighter without, is only done by US personnel.
Even if you could make the entire plane locally, parts wise, the US will not ever give out the pod code. Ever.
Because without it, the plane is worth less than nothing, it’s a liability.
As I’ve said elsewhere the ECM pod updates can only be done by US staff. Without this week’s pod frequencies to hit the latest radar frequencies, the plane is a liability in the air because of it’s cost.
There is no way the US is going to code “enemy” planes’ ECM.
The F-35 program may well flatline from this upset.