F18 Super Hornet at guaranteed cost and delivery, far lower than postulated and unknown for F35 costing.
Available for; Hawkeye surveillance onboard.
Onboard Tankers.
COD capability.
Full Rotary capability (including ASW).
Plus a couple of hooked Warthogs to take out pirates (low cost effective solution)
Even, dare I say it - a couple of Harrier Mk2 2+ to allow for ops where no tarmac exists.
Ability to take onboard other nations aircraft as needed.
Power projection - Diplomatic visiting trade shows with Sunset Marines.
(Continues HMS Britannia's role that was so effective and would be very appropriate to HMS Queen Elizabeth)
Cost Effective & Versatile - the name of the game!!
(Just another view !!)