Originally Posted by
insty66
Looks like a Navy led question to me.
GARGLED it and this is wot was coughed up:
"Earl Howe [do YOU do] Answered on: 12 July 2017
As part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review in 2015, we reaffirmed our commitment to procure 138 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The first tranche of 48 aircraft will be of the F-35B variant, which will be jointly operated by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and capable of operating from both land and the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. The decision on the variant of subsequent tranches of Lightning will be taken at the appropriate time.
Written question HL516: Marquess of Lothian 05-07-2017 - UK Parliament