mb,
If people cross read this thread with the F-35 thread (as I'm sure you have), they will see that the discussion on UK carriers, necessity, where deployed, etc, should also take into account the poor state of the UK F-35 fleet.
While not wishing to denigrate the rotary wing contribution, the main purpose of the carriers is to deploy F-35s. A fleet now exposed as having insufficient groundcrew, poor spares support, poor availability and limited pilot experience (7.5 hours a month - carrier currency?).
We've gone to considerable cost and effort to get these carriers, only to find their main offensive weapon system lacks both numbers, efficiency and probably effectiveness.
Last edited by Biggus; 14th July 2025 at 06:37.