Originally Posted by
salad-dodger
You'd like to think that wouldn't you, but I wonder what a "...tailored air group..." will look like for our carriers. If we rely on our own (UK) assets, then maybe half a dozen F35s and a mix of helicopters covering ASW, AEW etc.
We've bought a pair of awfully large boats, but are not investing in much to go on them.
S-D
By the time of planned FOC in 2023 the UK is due to have 42 (out of 48 in the first batch) F35Bs, with 2 front line squadrons of 12 each. Longer term the plan is said to be for 4 front line sqns, although what that means for the carriers depends on whether the next batch remain as B's or end up being A's.