Bismarck
Possibly, although I would suggest that, if this article is true rather than some clever RN-spin to get the 'defence cuts outrage bus' in motion, than I would agree with ORAC that the size of the future JSF force may well be the size of the current JFH force. IMHO the current (supposed) 50/50 will remain in place if for no other reasons than allow the RN to piggy back some of the costs on to the RAF (flying training etc) [and lets be honest the RN are struggling to man their 50% across all branches/trades at the mo so would probably welcome the help!].
If JSF is transferred lock, stock and barrel across to the RN there
may have to be some interesting compromises elsewhere in the RN. Not least because Lossiemouth will revert to its roots and become RNAS Lossiemouth / HMS FULMAR. Wonder if its too late to base JSF at St Mawgan or Yeovilton so they are nearer to the spiritual home?!
Think there's a lot more to play out here. One aspect that hasn't been mentioned is that as part of the CAS/1SL 'negotiations' the reduction to just 1 carriers worth of JSF (but keeping the other one as a commando ship) may have meant the 1SL has 'been forced' to sacrifice fixed wing FAA and that JSF will become a solely light blue asset. Whilst the article states JSF will no longer replace the RAF Tornado fleet it doesn't say that RAF pilots will be reduced or not fly JSF anymore. Just a thought ....
