It has been interesting, and heartening, to see that despite the naysayers on both this future carrier (no longer) thread. and the F-35 canellation, both projects are ongoing and progressing despite the undoubted opposition both these programs have received.
In these uncertain times, in truth when have they ever been certain, being prepared for war is in itself a robust part of keeping the peace.
The success of development is never assured, but that is not an excuse not to to attempt it. Both the carrier and F-35 have been hugely expensive but not to have an effective defence can prove more so.
Our armed services have historically ensured our survival and success as a nation and to neglect it in a haze of self congratulation in the civility of our modern world is misguided myopic stupidity.
That both these programs are ongoing and developing reason for a modicum of relief for the slightly more cynical amongst us.