Q&A · 1:28:32-1:28:47

Why the F-35B remained the available choice

A navalised Gripen would require funding a new development; for STOVL operations, the F-35B was the available programme.

Carrier Aviation F-35B Naval Procurement VTOL Aircraft

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Question

Why not use a navalised Gripen instead of the F-35B?

Short answer

It would need a funded development programme, while the F-35B was the available STOVL aircraft option.

Notes

A navalised Gripen would need fresh development money before it could serve as an alternative. In the 2020 STOVL market, the F-35B was the only practical programme available, whatever reservations a viewer may have about it. Procurement choices are bounded by funded programmes as much as by ideal specifications.