Why Trieste fits British F-35B operations better than Mistral

Would four Mistrals or three Triestes be more useful to Britain?

Three Triestes, because their size and F-35B compatibility would integrate better with British carrier aviation.

Three Trieste-type ships are preferred to four Mistrals because the larger Italian design can support F-35B operations. Mistral is closer to an enlarged HMS Ocean and would mainly serve helicopters, while Trieste can contribute to fixed-wing carrier aviation. Common aircraft would let Britain reinforce Queen Elizabeth-class carriers or redistribute F-35Bs without maintaining a separate fixed-wing fleet. The smaller hull count would still produce a more flexible aviation force.