Why a major navy would standardize on CATOBAR

Why choose CATOBAR carriers instead of operating both CATOBAR and STOVL fleets?

CATOBAR gives heavier, longer-range aircraft and avoids split logistics; STOVL is better retained as an amphibious-ship capability.

Operating both carrier systems spreads aircraft, training and maintenance logistics. A superpower with CATOBAR carriers should use their greater launch weight and range as its main fleet standard. STOVL capability still has a place aboard landing helicopter docks, where flexibility matters more than duplicating the primary carrier force. The closing definitions expand CATOBAR as catapult-assisted take-off with arrested recovery and STOVL as short take-off and vertical landing.