Originally Posted by
Finningley Boy
MSOCS
Indeed, Th comments from Sir Stephen recently suggest that the additional purchase of 90 F-35s is quite likely, it would in the long run perhaps make sense to order 90 F-35As for the RAF and eventually hand all 48 Bs to the RN.
FB
Well, I can't see additional Typhoon being bought in future, only upgrades for most of the fleet. Allied to a commitment to 138 F-35s I can absolutely see a buy of a different variant. Why not? It fulfils the RAF FCAS requirement while still retaining the right number of F-35B to complement our two carriers.
I don't see a hand over of all F-35Bs though. A key tenet is the shore-based expeditionary capability the B brings. I therefore see the B continuing to be jointly operated by RN and RAF.