The three F-35 variants share too much to be assessed as wholly independent aircraft. The short-takeoff and vertical-landing requirement demanded compromises that affected the common programme rather than only the naval variant. That arrangement benefits the Royal Navy and US Marine Corps because many partners help fund a highly capable STOVL aircraft. Criticism of cost and design trade-offs can therefore coexist with the aircraft's value to navies that need to operate from shorter decks.
Notable Point · 2:08:52-2:09:28
How STOVL requirements shape F-35 programme costs
The Royal Navy and US Marine Corps gain a top-tier short-takeoff aircraft from the shared F-35 family, while STOVL compromises and costs are spread across the wider programme.