BBC News - UK receives first F-35 stealth fighter jet from US
BBC are now quoting 48 as an initial commitment.
What does 48 mean in the context of the F35? With a production line open and ready to make up attrition down the line, surely the FEAR ratio of that 48 should be higher? Is this therefore already sufficient to meet requirements for the carrier strike role (12 usually, up to 36 in a crisis)?
The UK / RAF could return for A models at a later date.....