herbie3000,
No, of course none of us are saying that the JSF will not be more capable than anything we in the RAF have now (if we can afford it and we ever get it!). However, who says it MUST operate from a "boat"? It could operate from anything - it's called the "flexibility of air power" mate! Can't remember if any Navy Doctrine Manuals (now where are they kept again?) talk about the "flexibility of Sea Power" - long time since I read 'em!! In fact. long time since anybody read 'em!
Oh yes, the new carriers! When the USN sends a Carrier task force to an area of trouble, I rather think they believe it to be such a valuable asset that they send as many surface and sub-surface vessels in support/protection as the RN owns!! Not that these RN assets are always servicable of course. So what do we do? Do we cancel everything else that is due for the RAF and the Army so that we can afford to build enough sea-going kit to defend the carriers? Or do we use the measly, meagre, penny-piching, soddin' defence budget to try to maintain an all-round capability? Tough decision!
Edited 'cos I missed a word out - it IS early for me!
[This message has been edited by Wholigan (edited 29 June 2001).]