The proposed package assigned F/A-18s to carrier aviation and F-22s to land-based service. It belonged to the 1995-97 period when Michael Portillo served as defence secretary and several unusual options were discussed. The negotiation ended as Britain continued down the Eurofighter route. Naval aircraft choices could therefore form one part of a much wider national combat-aircraft bargain.
Notable Point · 3:02:36-3:03:33
Britain considered an F/A-18 and F-22 package before choosing Eurofighter
A short procurement aside recalls a 1990s package that would pair carrier-based F/A-18s with land-based F-22s before Britain continued with Eurofighter.