Concerns raised over UK F-35 operational balance
Defence analysts have questioned whether the UK F-35 programme can be built up to readily support a broad range of air, land and sea-based missions.
Being able to use the fifth-generation fighter fleet for concurrent carrier strike and SEAD operations would be a ‘difficult ask,’ according to Justin Bronk, research fellow in combat airpower and technology at RUSI.
During a defence select committee hearing on 15 September he voiced specific concern over F-35 capabilities currently being ‘double or triple hatted’, a suggestion that the fleet could become overstretched should the UK find itself in a position of having to fight
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