Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 45:19-47:35

Why the F-35B makes sense for Britain

The F-35B suits STOVL navies despite broader criticisms of the joint F-35 program.

Aircraft CarriersF-35BRoyal NavySTOVL
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Question

Will the F-35 serve the Royal Navy well?

Short answer

He thinks the F-35B is a sensible aircraft for the Royal Navy and US Marine Corps because STOVL operations match their likely mix of carriers, LHDs, and expeditionary flight decks.

Notes

The F-35B fits Britain's strategic need for flexible flight decks. A medium power with two strike carriers and possible future LHDs gains more deployable options from STOVL aircraft than from a single idealized CATOBAR carrier. The wider F-35 program remains expensive and complicated, while the B variant suits the Royal Navy's approach to global reach.