Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 42:31-42:45

Joint F-35 ownership made training the carrier constraint

Splitting British F-35Bs between the Fleet Air Arm and RAF did not imply resistance to two-carrier operations, though joint training time remained essential.

Carrier AviationF-35BFleet Air ArmQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Air Force
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Question

Would joint Fleet Air Arm and RAF ownership of F-35Bs obstruct operating both carriers?

Short answer

He expected cooperation, with enough time for carrier-specific training as the main concern.

Notes

Royal Air Force ownership was not expected to make the service resist operating both British carriers. Sufficient training time was the practical concern. Joint aircraft ownership therefore made readiness depend on maintaining carrier qualifications and integrated routines. Interservice organisation mattered less than the daily work required to generate a deployable carrier air group.