Perhaps the most significant thing is that politicians realise that an anti ship capability is needed. On that note, I understand that there is an air launched version called the Joint Strike Missile in the pipeline, and it should be compatible with all variants of the F-35 Lightning.
NATO needs shipborne aviation:
Sea control seems to be back on the agenda too! This is course has always been a major carrier role, and was during the Cold War, and the Second War before that, and in the Falklands - any time when dealing with an enemy with air or naval capabilities - as discussed over here on a dedicated thread about carriers and sea control.
VIDEO: USS Gerald R. Ford Back in Norfolk After Two Months in the Atlantic - USNI News
“Through integrated and combined operations such as live and inert ordnance expenditure by Carrier Air Wing 8, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and air defense, we set the stage for operating with Ford-class technologies in a deployed environment,” said Ford commander Capt. Paul Lanzilotta in the Saturday release.
Last edited by WE Branch Fanatic; 29th Nov 2022 at 17:18.
Reason: To be 'inclusive' - thinking of the RAF in the RN/RAF Lightning Force, and the USMC flying from amphibs.