Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:45:54-1:46:27

Fleet standardization favors F-35s over cheaper F/A-18s

An extra British carrier would use F-35s because common training, maintenance, and supply systems outweigh the apparent saving from buying a cheaper second aircraft type.

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Question

If Britain suddenly acquired another carrier, would it buy cheaper F/A-18s or more F-35s?

Short answer

It would buy more F-35s because the existing training and logistics system makes fleet standardization cheaper than supporting a second aircraft type.

Notes

The F/A-18 might look cheaper if Britain were choosing an air group from scratch. Once F-35s are already in service, however, adding another type creates separate training, engineering, spares, weapons, and logistics pipelines. Those continuing support costs matter more than the headline purchase price. Fleet commonality therefore makes additional F-35s the less expensive operational choice despite the strain on the acquisition budget.