British Government Hints at Dropping STOVL F-35

Britain may drop plans to purchase the short-takeoff, vertical-landing (STOVL) version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 strike aircraft and replace it with the conventional carrier variant of the Lightning II.

Government and industry sources here said the switch of aircraft types to the F-35C has been under review and a decision could emerge when the strategic defense and security review is rolled out Oct. 19.

The first signal that the British might be changing their minds came in the joint foreword to a new national security strategy, written by Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, released Oct. 18.

Complaining about the extent of Cold-War era weapons remaining in service, the foreword said Britain had "two massive aircraft carriers on order but [were] unable to operate with the aircraft of our closest allies."

The sources said the Cameron/Clegg statement indicated not only that the two 65,000-ton warships will be built but that at least one of the vessels will likely be fitted with the catapult and arresting gear required to allow conventional fighters to operate from its deck.