A larger Fleet Air Arm continuing through the 1960s and 1970s could support a British successor to Sea Vixen. That creates uncertainty about whether Phantom would enter service in this alternate fleet. If Phantoms still entered service, Malta-sized decks would remove the need for the Royal Navy's unusual extended nose gear and improve commonality. The P.1154 supersonic V/STOL concept offers another route to a fleet-defence fighter, especially if a larger naval order keeps the design effort alive. P.1127 is initially mentioned for the supersonic project, then corrected to P.1154. A later British role in the Super Hornet programme remains possible, depending on whether Britain ultimately buys American aircraft.
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A British fleet-defense fighter after Sea Vixen
Sustained naval aircraft orders could support a Sea Vixen successor, while larger decks simplify the alternative of operating Phantoms.