Direction, page-14

https://www.*.com.au/f-35-national-disaster-2017-3?r=US&IR=T

But the F-35 has only reached an initial level of capability with two services. The F-35 awaits a software update that Lockheed Martin states will significantly improve the plane.
Lt. Col. David Berke, a former US Marine Corps F-35 squadron leader stressed to Business Insider that “we don’t even know 50-80% of what this aeroplane can do,” as it continues to evolve in terms of its software, hardware, network integration, and pilots continue to figure out the system.

If you’ve ever wondered why some harbour vehement hatred towards the F-35 program and all its boosters, the POGO report is extensive, if a bit one sided.

https://www.*.com.au/f-35-national-disaster-2017-3?r=US&IR=T

This is the end exert from the news article on the site above. I can see what they are talking about. If the fighter jet is heavily software based, unlike most of the jets made over the years, this will be an evolving new trend worldwide.

A little example. Even with your PC at home. I have not upgraded since I built my desktop PC back in 2009. I have picked up parts and the such from different people and sources. I even got a PC which was basically like new for free but the previous owner wiped the hard disc. I tried to install the windows which I got in 2009 (I had windows vista home basic and vista premium upgrade [which I bought both seperately]). I thought since I was using the upgrade I might be able to load vista home basic and use the other PC aswell. It was not the case it said the cd keys were both used already.
So I never used that PC which I picked up for free because no software and I wasn't going to go out and buy more software (because it is expensive and does not last long before you need an upgrade to keep up with the times). But just recently there was a verge collecting in my local area and I like to browse because people are so wasteful. I picked up a desktop PC case which looked quite nice and was bare inside (bare bone box). Little did I know but there was a licencing sticker attached to the case (with nothing in it)..... I was not expecting much because it was a used case but I went to the Microsoft webpage page, which had an area to enter the key and authenticate it. IT WAS AUTHENTIC AND VALID for a copy of windows 7 home premium edition. But I have no CD to install it?? Well I just learned about ISO files recently and downloading them from Microsoft and burning them as a bootable copy with some linked software onto DVD.. and installing it as a fresh copy on that near new (quite good) PC, which I got for free. That is what I'm using to type this story now.
And I upgraded to the windows 10 for assisted technology users for free , which is meant to be more secure with better updates but still buggy. Saved probably up-to a $1000 or similar by being patient and learning as I went.
My point is... this is a very technical new plane which will have bugs and need fixes. But in saying that it will be a quality alternative to anything in the skies at this point. With that comes cost. But the costs will be managed over the life of the program as we have been seeing even though there are people who do not support it.