Whilst we have one of them listening, could we ask the French for a little help?
Can you quickly explain to us why having Aeronavale pilots flying Rafale M is better than simply embarking a few Armee de l'air chaps every now and then?
Is it more efficient? Does it cost less? Is it safer? Couldn't the air force just supply the air boss? How about the yellow coats? The MAOC staff? Does it really take 3 years to make a LSO?
Please help because we have a navy that once knew about carriers but has forgotten and an air force that helped out to a greater or lesser degree in both the cat and trap ones, and also the VSTOL ones, but now all we're good at is blaming each other for the capability's demise.
It seems we might be interested in your aeroplane, please give us a quick data burst on your C2 and modus operandi.
Many thanks indeed.
PS Please answer from the point of view of both services. Does your air force want to go to sea? Or does it want all the Rafales including the Ms for some other reason? Has it ever been stated how much time a land based pilot would need to become proficient on the deck?