Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 40:24-42:32

F-35 numbers and a mixed crewed-uncrewed air group

The initial 48 F-35Bs are insufficient for sustained two-carrier operations, but future loyal-wingman aircraft could change the required crewed-fighter total.

Carrier Air GroupsF-35BFleet Air ArmLoyal WingmanQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersUncrewed Aircraft
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Question

Are the UK's planned F-35 numbers sufficient for two Queen Elizabeth class carriers?

Short answer

Not for sustained operations; more aircraft are needed, although uncrewed loyal wingmen may reduce the eventual crewed-fighter requirement.

Notes

Dividing the initial 48 F-35Bs between two carriers produces a paper allocation of 24 aircraft per ship. Training, maintenance, and readiness mean that a sustained two-carrier force needs a larger fleet. Delaying later purchases preserves the option of adopting smaller uncrewed strike aircraft as loyal wingmen. One possible mixed air group pairs 16 F-35Bs with a larger uncrewed contingent, allowing some fighters to direct strike packages while others remain available for air defense.