So the author first states that we have to make sure we aren't buying equipment to fight yesterday's wars, since the Ukrainian war has shown that drones and missile strikes seem to be the current way forward, but then turns around and advocates buying more F35s.

Pick a direction. You don't need a stealth fighter to shoot down drones. A fleet of cheaper, more available Gripens would be better suited to home defense anyone. At least, that seems to be the opinion of the guy in charge of NORAD.