The British government had not acquired enough F-35s to equip both carriers fully. That inventory shortfall belongs to the purchasing plan rather than the design of the Queen Elizabeth-class ships. It is also separate from the capabilities of the F-35 itself. An available platform can remain underused when its supporting procurement programme does not buy enough aircraft.
Notable Point · 1:38:10-1:38:19
The F-35 shortfall is a procurement choice
Britain's shortage of F-35s for both Queen Elizabeth-class carriers reflects the government's procurement plan, not a fault in the ships or aircraft.