Carrier Jet programme hugh risk

"The committee's report cast doubt on the MoD's claim that the new carrier-based strike force would be fully operational by 2020.

The Labour government placed orders for two carriers to be equipped with the F-35B variant of the US-built joint strike fighter (JSF), which is capable of short take-off and vertical landing.

In its 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the coalition changed to the F-35C version, which has a longer range and can carry more weapons."

So no brains then? Wouldn't it have made more sense to keep HMS Ark Royal & Invincible in service with their Harriers until the new carriers were fit for service?

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Wouldn't it have made more sense to keep HMS Ark Royal & Invincible in service with their Harriers until the new carriers were fit for service?

It would have made more sense to order new carriers after the '82 incident, when it was shown that to conduct operations away from home you need more than strike aircraft. Something like these, Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, search and rescue helicopters for any downed planes, elint and anti-submarine aircraft etc.