Not necessarily. I'm sure IN would've gone for the F-35C if offered. Despite being single engined, F-35C fares way better in several aspects
Spec
N-LCA
F-35C
F-18 E/F
MWF
Rafale-M
Empty Wt
6560kg
15T
14.5T
7900kg
10.3T
Internal Fuel
2458kg
8958kg
6241 kg
TBD
4700kg
Max Speed
Mach...