Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:35:47-3:37:22

A larger fix for Britain's mixed F-35 force

The proposed remedy separates RAF F-35As from a much larger Royal Navy F-35B fleet sized to sustain two carrier air groups, rather than sharing a small mixed pool.

Aircraft CarriersDefence ProcurementF-35 Lightning IINaval AviationRoyal Air ForceRoyal Navy
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Question

How could Britain rectify the force-structure problems created by its current combat-aircraft procurement?

Short answer

Create separate RAF F-35A and Royal Navy F-35B fleets, then buy enough aircraft to cover deployed groups, deep maintenance, reserves, and training.

Notes

One proposed fix is to buy additional F-35As as a distinct RAF wing and transfer the F-35B force to naval control. Sustaining two 36-aircraft carrier groups requires far more than 72 frontline jets because another group must be in deep maintenance and an operational conversion unit must train replacements. The estimate is on the order of 132 F-35Bs for the naval force and roughly 96 F-35As for a 48-aircraft RAF wing with training and reserve depth. The plan also restores LHDs to the amphibious fleet and considers additional missile submarines while AUKUS construction capacity develops. The answer turns a procurement complaint into a force-generation calculation based on readiness cycles rather than nominal aircraft totals.