Originally Posted by
Asturias56
"We need F35B's for our Canberra class 'aircraft carriers' ."
The COST!!! Who is going to pay for that? The RN struggles to equip a carrier AND run SSN's
As for B-21's - the USA never sold any F22's - do you think they'll sell their absolute top of the line, state of the art kit to anyone?
The design of the current Canberra class ships has been modified to maximise their amphibious capabilities so they have limited aircraft/helicopter storage and aviation fuel. To operate F-35B’s, a new hull would have to be built that converts all the amphibious capability into aviation support capability - that would take time and funding. The deck would have to be redesigned to withstand the high exhaust temperatures of the F35B’s. Personally, I think a squadron of B-21’s would provide more capability & flexibility than having a carrier. Senior US defence officials have publicly stated that they would look at any proposal that Australia puts to them - including B-21’s. I totally agree with Gnads about dispersal and protection of such a valuable strategic asset.
The RAN & BAE have circled the wagons to keep the focus on construction of the Hunter class and ignore the unsolicited offer from Navantia to quickly build 3 more Air Warfare Destroyers. Good to see that integration of the CEAFAR 2 radar with the AEGIS combat system is progressing well.
Hunter Class construction to start earlier
First Hunter class prototype block section (Block 16, 141 tonnes)