Are the phrases "defend itself" and "guarding themselves" referring to the defence of aircraft themselves or defence of the carrier group? I thought the F35 had no AD role as such (other than it's own self protection as it 'fought' its way in and out) and that carrier group protection was provided by the escort ships (assuming there are any of them left following the 'fire sale' going on in the RN ... have they really ditched BRNC???).