Let deck choice shape independence and interoperability

Britain's F-35B force continues experience gained with the Harrier and can potentially disperse to allied or future British amphibious decks. France preserves the Rafale M as a domestic carrier aircraft and operates the E-2 Hawkeye while using CATOBAR to train closely with the much larger American carrier community. Earlier operation of Foch, Clemenceau, and Arromanches gave France a deep carrier heritage, but one current carrier still benefits from the larger American pool of experience. That cooperation supports French pilots, technicians, maintainers, engineers, and officers. STOVL similarly links Britain to American amphibious ships, Italy, Japan, and other smaller flight-deck operators. Russia's STOBAR choice supports heavy air-defence fighters and an independent operating concept, but offers fewer partners with compatible decks. The deck system therefore organizes training relationships and alliance roles as much as it launches aircraft.