Britain's carrier and sixth-generation fighter choices

Would Britain buy a future American sixth-generation fighter, or remain satisfied with F-35Bs and Tempest?

The carriers still require F-35Bs, while the land-based answer depends on whether Tempest remains independent or joins another program.

The carrier requirement is separate from the Royal Air Force's broader fighter program. Queen Elizabeth-class operations require the short-takeoff F-35B rather than a conventional sixth-generation aircraft. Britain was committed to Tempest for the land-based role at the time of the stream. Whether that effort would remain independent or merge with an American or European program was left open as costs and partnerships evolved.