andrewn,
Now THAT is a post that tells it as it is and I cannot find fault with. Much as I think that the two carriers are a valuable asset, and the Lightning force will be truly stupendous in capability, there is no getting away from the fact that the Lightning build up is incredibly slow, and seeing as it has replaced the Tornado GR4 force as well as providing a carrier capability, we have a HUGE capability/force level gaping window that takes us back to the days of John Nott and his window opening tendencies.
617 with 9 aircraft now, 809NAS forming in FOUR years time, and the next frontline squadron not standing up until the 2030's just seems a ludicrously paced programme that makes a mockery of the carrier capability.