UK Abandons STOVL F-35B For Carrier Variant?

摘要

The UK Government is expected to announce that it has abandoned plans to purchase the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II in favour of the carrier variant (CV), according to sources within the military. It is believed that the changes will be confirmed in the autumn. Up to now the F-35B STOVL has been the preferred option to replace the current fleet of BAE Systems Harrier GR7A/GR9s operated by the Joint Force Harrier, which has both RAF and Royal Navy personnel assigned.