Read the flipping article, will you?
Originally Posted by Timesonline article
It is too late for the navy to renege on contracts to build the two carriers, the Queen Elizabeth, due to go into service in 2016, and the Prince of Wales, due to follow in 2018. Although the second carrier will be built, it will be used as an amphibious commando ship, with only helicopters on board instead of JSF aircraft.
BOTH CVF WILL STILL BE BUILT... it is the aircraft that are being cut.
There will only be enough F-35B to equip one carrier, with the second being used for "amphibious commando operations"... thus eliminating any replacement hull for HMS Ocean.
Guess what... this "dual-role capability was one of the design characteristics of CVF.
Since the only F-35-specific equipment is the maintenance outfit, and all the air-control etc equipment is still needed for the helicopters required for the LPH role, the basic ship will remain unaltered.
And so what... the production line for F-35B, and for the maintenance equipment for them, will still be churning them out for a long time to come.
Plenty of time to buy more later, after budgets are adjusted and economic recovery boosts revenue.
At least 2 of Ocean, Ark Royal, or Illustrious will still be around in 2014*, and one in 2016*... so there is still time to do something about a new amphib ship as well.
*the years the crews will be needed to start transition to man the new hulls in trials/pre-commissioning work-ups