The f/a 18 has weaknesses but technical capability isn't one of them. It has the best production radar and mult-role capability of any fighter in the world. It doesn't need upgrades down the road to integrate new weapon systems or perform precision ground attack(looking at you eurofighter) it does it already.
As for political clout the main risk of purchasing a fighter that doesn't have a large primary user is the risk that new capabilities won't become available as they are developed. That simply doesn't exist and explains the f-35s and f/a-18 attractiveness.
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The f/a 18 has weaknesses but technical capability isn't one of them. It has the best production radar and mult-role capability of any fighter in the world. It doesn't need upgrades down the road to integrate new weapon systems or perform precision ground attack(looking at you eurofighter) it does it already.
As for political clout the main risk of purchasing a fighter that doesn't have a large primary user is the risk that new capabilities won't become available as they are developed. That simply doesn't exist and explains the f-35s and f/a-18 attractiveness.