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F-35B development aircraft BF-5 and BF-1 during sea trials with the USS Wasp in September 2013. lockheed martin
Back To Sea?
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The government mulls equipping the Navy’s LHDs with STOVL F-35Bs
Recent reports that Prime Minister Tony Abbott is driving the current debate on whether to acquire a number of short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B JSFs to be operated from the two new Canberra class LHD ships have effectively been confirmed by senior Defence officials.
On May 17 Defence Minister Senator David Johnston told The Weekend West newspaper that the acquisition of the F-35B was “. . . an option which has been considered from day one. ” The option was further reinforced on May 23 when The Australian reported that PM Abbott is pushing to configure the Canberra class vessels as “aircraft carriers” and employ F-35Bs from them. Sources indicated at the time that the PM was driving this initiative personally and that he wants it considered as part of the next Defence White Paper.
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