Amphibious lift and the F-35 dependency problem

Britain would need to retain or replace major amphibious ships alongside the proposed littoral and multi-role support vessels. The harder dependency is the F-35. It would not simply stop flying, and a simple kill switch is unnecessary to explain the risk because its integrated logistics and support arrangements would themselves become a strategic concern. Possible successors include a short-takeoff Tempest variant or major Queen Elizabeth-class alterations for catapults and conventional aircraft. Both choices would be costly, while American control of the principal electromagnetic-catapult supply chain adds another dependency and pushes any solution beyond five years.