The JSDMF use helothingys for submarine detection. Hence the value of a through-deck destroyer cum cruiser cum carrier.

Good to see so many people actually understanding the difficulties of a) multinational development b) 4th Gen obsolescence! ;)

And you probably shouldnt have bothered.

And there was me thinking your logon was ironic!

We're all spectators, watching idiots throw away billions of pounds, and since its billions of pounds of our money, we have input into the debate. Not enough, I grant you. Trying to stop the idiots wasting billions more is probably a vain hope.

The Japanese contract out their defence to the Americans. The Japanese also have a larger navy, air force and army than the UK.

And if Typhoon export drive succedes could the RAF be left with Tranche 1 aircraft it can't affort to refit.
Would say they are unlikley to be scrapped the odd 1 will become a gate guard/Museum exhibit the best will probably be sold to BaE who will refurbish them and flog them to someone.