Originally Posted by
WhiteOvies
Given that the decision of the UK, taken back in 2003, was that the carriers would not need an organic A-A/swing role platform and hence JFH could safely go to an all GR9 force, the UK is taking a huge leap forward with F-35B.
I think to be exact, the decision made was not that organic A-A wasn't needed, but that "risk would be taken" (to coin a phrase that Alan West seems to have forgotten uttering) against AAW capability, particularly prior to T45 ISD, given the costs of keeping both SHAR and Harrier II in-service. Whether that was the right decision is neither here nor there now.
Originally Posted by
WhiteOvies
People really should start looking at the positives for the UK and the other partner /export nations.
Absolutely right.