Re: F-35 - Those fighter aircraft Cameron was mentioning, perhaps with T1 Typhoons kept on as well?
8 Merlin to upgrade to Mk2 standard - remember that CROWSNEST, the replacement for the SkASaC and a key component of the future Carrier Strike capability, is a role fit to Merlin Mk 2. Given the sterling and extremely relevant work done by the SkASaC force I do not see them being retired until CROWSNEST is ready to replace them. Investment in ISTAR platforms should cover this capability off.