The 2010 review retained construction of two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers while retiring Harrier and accepting a gap in carrier-based fixed-wing aviation. It acknowledged the value of deploying air power without relying on friendly land bases, yet judged that capability unlikely to be essential in the short term. A proposed catapult conversion would have supported the longer-range F-35C carrying more weapons and allowed reciprocal aircraft operations with American and French carriers. Cost subsequently ended that conversion plan. A further argument for the F-35C is that a single variant could have avoided the later mixed F-35A and F-35B purchase, with the C considered probably better suited than the A to Britain's needs.
Chapter · 1:23:43-1:25:28
The 2010 carrier conversion plan and the Harrier gap
The 2010 review promised carrier interoperability and future F-35 capability while retiring Harrier and considering a catapult conversion that was later abandoned.