The proposed Italian alternatives include smaller CATOBAR carriers and a gradual increase in STOVL carrier size. A ship around 50,000 tons is discussed as a limited CATOBAR design or a flexible STOVL platform, depending on the intended air group. Catapults make heavier support aircraft possible, while an F-35C would offer a larger internal weapon capacity and greater strike radius than the F-35B. Continued STOVL operation retains the F-35B's compatibility with the existing fleet. Larger ambitions also depend on whether politicians will fund operations beyond the Mediterranean. The forecast favours a programme that can maintain parliamentary support across changes of government, while leaving the final size and aviation system unsettled.
Notable Point · 4:04:35-4:08:24
Italy's next carrier: size, aircraft, and political funding
Italy's possible carrier designs trade aircraft compatibility against payload and support aircraft, with fleet size constrained by political funding.