The data fusion, everyone refers to so glowingly, refers to the aircraft's ability to gain information via it's radar, IRST's, FLIR systems, EWSP and ESM systems and present this info to the pilot in a simple coherent manner. The JSF is simply expected to achieve this ability to a greater degree than other aircraft.
What the JSF proponents choose to overlook, is that EVERY aircraft can do this to varying degree's. As time passes, other aircraft will be upgraded to be increasingly capable of achieving the same effect. We are doing this already with HUG and F-111 upgrades, but the RAAF and Government apparently believe no other Country will...
The political decision in my opinion was based on the (false) truths that the aircraft would be a true Tier 1 stealth combat aircraft that would only cost $30 Million a piece, yet provide tremendous economic benefits and significant work shares for each SDD participating Country. What's the old saying about things that appear too good to be true, usually are? Fits the JSF nicely in my view...