The objection raised to twelve F-35As concerns fleet size and the relationship to the existing F-35B programme. An additional purchase of 24, or preferably 36 to 48, would be viewed differently. The A and B variants need different logistical and maintenance support, and training on the A does not cover every feature of flying the short-takeoff and vertical-landing B. Combining intensive conversion training with a nuclear task would also consume aircraft availability. The estimate offered is six to eight serviceable aircraft out of twelve, perhaps six available for a strike and four during a particularly poor week. Those aircraft could not enter the carrier airframe pool. British basing is also contrasted with aircraft stationed farther forward, since the proposed mission would require flying across the North Sea to collect weapons.
Notable Point · 1:05:42-1:09:13
Twelve F-35As, conversion training, and nuclear availability
A twelve-aircraft F-35A fleet would divide its flying hours between conversion training and nuclear readiness while remaining separate from the carrier-capable F-35B pool.