flipflopman RB199,
As I wasn't talking to you I couldn't give a rats arse what you think of my opinions.
4(R), 1(F) and 800 NAS is three by my reckoning, not sure what you think one plus one plus one is in your little world?
recce_FAC,
GR9 was heading for the chop between 2018 and 2022 anyway, any post election defence review may well bin it completely, especially if the Tories axe the carriers.
Despite the ill informed nonsense that flipflopmaan RB199 spouts, even if the Tories DO can CVF then the UK is committed to a two type fast jet fleet and the F-35 will join the RAF in one form or another as a Harrier and Tornado GR4 replacement or just as the Tornado GR4 replacement. It will be in much smaller numbers than the present fleet though.
The RAF may well have a much smaller fast jet fleet in the next decade, irrespective of who wins the General Election, but with Typhoon and Lightning it will still be one of the most capable on the planet. It will be more than capable of delivering the first class CAS you desire.