The slow build up of the F-35B force is disappointing - but hopefully the new settlement for defence announced a few weeks ago might help. Perhaps a few quid could be spent on ASW helicopters - spares and support as well as airframes? I understand their are projects to improve ASW capabilities by improving the Pingers' ability to share information with other task group assets.
I think that some politicians forget that the aircraft carrier is not just about carrying jets for hitting targets ashore. They have a very real role in play in things such as (integrated) Anti Air Warfare and (integrated) Anti Submarine Warfare. Since a big thing seems to be made about deploying eight or so Typhoons somewhere, does deploying the same number of F-35B/Lightnings aboard a carrier that is also carrying a squadron of ASW Merlins for a NATO role, perhaps an exercise like Steadfast Defender 21 really such a let down?
Last edited by WE Branch Fanatic; 11th Dec 2020 at 14:05.