With the IOC of the F35 slipping further away as I read things and the price going up and up, as was stated above some countries will have their lines in the sand regarding the F35 crossed, be this due to its late arrival or its unaffordable cost.
What confuses me is why the default alternative is the F18 not the Rafale, when the Indians and others have selected the Rafale above the F18 in their competitions.
Personally I would have thought that with the co operation that is meant to be happening with the French a purchace of Rafale Ns, the two seat carrier version would fit the bill for the UK. I do know that at the moment none have ever been built, two seats seem a better solution in complex situations.
I look forward to comments on the above...
