Why is there such an utter obsession with minimum different aircraft types across the services these days? Does a GR4 replacement really need to be carrier-capable? Or a fleet defence interceptor really need to be 'day one' stealthy?
Wouldn't F-18E/F/G for the RN's carrier strike wings and CF-35A for the RAF's Tornado GR4 replacement be a more cost-effective mix?
And an end to all this purple 'Joint Force' bolleaux!
The Andrew does jets on ships best - let's have both the QE class carriers with CATOBAR systems and capable Sea Hornet strike wings operated by the FAA. The RAF can afford to wait until Lockheed Martin have got their $hit together and then follow the RCAF's lead with the probe-equipped CF-35A a few years down the road.
Then and only then, perhaps in 15 years time, it might be sensible to replace the F-18E/F/G with F-35C?