jackonicko
You have to understand that the F-35 force is all going to the FAA. Yes, they'll buy all 135, but over a ten year period - or longer. Given training needs and the usual losses that really only comes down to enough for one front line squadron of 12, plus a 20-strong training squadron. The RAF won't be getting any F-35
By the time they come into service there won't be any Tornados left anyway. The plan is for FE@R to be reduced to 16 by 2015, and withdrawn completely by 2017. By then the RAF will have one fighter airframe - the Typhoon - which be five squadrons, two air defence, three close air support. If long range strike is required then that will be carried out by the navy, probably from land.
The doctrine of the future will be exchangeability, so that while the F-35 will be a naval asset, the RAF will be able to demand first call on the navy to carry out attack missions as /when required. The navy's own priorities wil come second.
Likewise, the RAF will also be able to demand that naval helicopter assets share in the RAFs support helicopter role: the RAF will be able to prioritise use of the RNs's Merlin fleet
Last edited by randyrippley; 9th Jul 2012 at 14:38.