Exactly how do "we" know that?
We don't, which was exactly the point of my post. "As far as we know" implies there is more we do NOT know. My point was that the Eagle has proven it's ability to sustain damage and maintain flyability. We know nothing as to how a Typhoon will handle in an actual combat situation, damage and all, because it has yet to experience one. Therefore, it makes sense that a country would select the Eagle over the Typhoon because the Typhoon is outstanding in theory, but until a country fielding them goes to war with them, their benefits will only be that: Theories.
This is no slight against the Typhoon. I expect it to be an outstanding fighter should it ever experience combat. I am simply saying it is unproven, and thus slightly less favorable compared to a proven fighter. But just in case... someone thought the Defiant was a great fighter in theory too...
