Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:02:56-3:03:49

The RAF had reasons to retain Joint Force Harrier

Keeping Harrier alive would support a three-type fast-jet force and a smoother path to replacing it with F-35B.

F-35BForce StructureJoint Force HarrierRoyal Air ForceRoyal Navy
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Question

Did the RAF want to eliminate Joint Force Harrier?

Short answer

Not necessarily; the RAF had institutional reasons to keep a third fast-jet force and replace Harrier gradually with F-35B.

Notes

The force-structure argument does not support the idea that the RAF simply wanted Harrier gone. Retaining the type could preserve a third fast-jet community while Typhoon replaced earlier aircraft. F-35B could then replace Harrier on a planned schedule. Early retirement instead compressed the British fast-jet force into Typhoon and F-35B fleets.