 Editor in Chief Bill   | 12 Sep 2019 4:55 a.m. PST |
The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters are spearheading a revival of British sea power unparalleled since the end of the Second World War, the country's top admiral said on Tuesday… link |
| Kevin C | 12 Sep 2019 6:27 a.m. PST |
Judging from news releases that have been posted on this site for the last few years, I would say that it is about time. While I am not a citizen of the UK, I have felt very bad for the way that the British have allowed their naval forces to decline in recent years. |
| JimDuncanUK | 12 Sep 2019 7:16 a.m. PST |
We only just managed to fight the Falklands War before the government slashed the Navy even further it did. |
| Thresher01 | 12 Sep 2019 5:50 p.m. PST |
I think it is rather premature to call it a "renaissance", especially since they don't even have their own squadrons of F-35s operational yet. From what I've read, US F-35s will be on board for the first "operational" cruise. |
| David Manley | 12 Sep 2019 6:51 p.m. PST |
From where I'm standing I don't think it is premature at all. The number and scope of new projects and procurements is at a level not seen in 50 years if not more. It is certainly keeping me and my teams busier than we have ever been :) |
| Thresher01 | 12 Sep 2019 7:20 p.m. PST |
That is good to hear, and I suspect you have a lot better information than me, across the pond and a continent away. When are the British F-35s planned to be operational, for one, and/or both carriers? |
| JimDuncanUK | 13 Sep 2019 2:52 a.m. PST |
Before the end of the decade they say. |
| Thresher01 | 13 Sep 2019 3:18 a.m. PST |
So, 2030, or 2020? Seems like the latter is unlikely given that I've read US aircraft will be on board for its first cruise in 2020, or 2021. |
| Tired Mammal | 13 Sep 2019 4:42 a.m. PST |
With UK Governments (both parties are guilty of this) track record its highly likely that they announce new Ship building projects just before a potential election only to reduce them afterwards.
It won't stop them quickly scrapping the old ships in anticipation of the new ships though. |
| David Manley | 14 Sep 2019 1:18 p.m. PST |
First UK aircraft go on board in a few weeks. |
| Bellbottom | 15 Sep 2019 3:38 a.m. PST |
British F35's have flown missions in Syria from Cyprus. |
| Lion in the Stars | 16 Sep 2019 11:49 a.m. PST |
Guess the Brits were halfway intelligent and ordered all F35Bs. |
