There is no training gap. For CATOBAR operations the pilots would have to be trained nearly from ground up anyway.
I think that is charme of this solution.

What means is this foe using to find targets? Is it flying passively, hoping to find the CBG?
Once a foe has a demonstrated capability of regularly detecting LPI emissions, then we can discuss the merits of stealth/non-stealth. Of course you conveniently neglected to mention that a non-stealthy platform would also emit. You also conveniently ignored NCW, where F-35s received sensor information from a variety of sources, not to mention the EOTS system.

There are several options. Stealthy UAV’s, submarines, satellites,… An aircraft carrier isn’t exactly a small ship.

The whole point of those carrie(s) was to give aircover and CAS to the Royal Marines.
The F-35 outperforms in my opinion any other available contender in this role.

Still the question has to be asked, if it is a good idea to attack said enemy. If not, then there is no point to pay a premium for stealth.

The much cheaper SH can bomb som mudhuds in some forsaken place just fine. For nearly half the price.
And as I already wrote, for defending a big fat target I believe stealth isnt’t all that useful, if you want to maximise the probablitiy of an intercept.

There is a good reason why the Royal Navy wants the JSF for it’s carriers. They are an offensive weapon and as such stealth is a wonderful thing to have.

In the unlikely case the F-35 get’s axed, I would bet the SH get’s additional orders. Only happens if the Chinese stop buying US bonds and by that have to write off their current investment.

In my opinion the perfect solution would be if the French buy the British surplus carrier in exchange for a Rafale order. Maybe some additonal stuff to make up for the price difference. (UK Paveway IV, Brimstone, whatever…)

Certainly the most interesting post of that thread.
Well, you have certainly a very interesting point here, but honestly, do you think that those with the political power in Europe now are mature enough to go ahead ?
For quite some time, the only achievement of Europe are only about economic matters.

We are still demokratic. At least on paper. And I can’t think of any country in Europe with a majority that wants more power for the nameless burocrats in Bruxelles.

To stay on topic. European airframers will survive only as subcontractors of US companies and with niche products.

Would be interesting to see which weapon package is included in the M2K upgrade. With a huge package of modern weapons this could be a strong selling point for Rafales.
As weapon systems Rafale, Shornet and MiG’s fit best into the picture. All of them have carrier variants, and Rafales and MiGs are able to use existing weapons.
Rafale and Shornet are potent strike aircraft with decent EW capabilities, the MiG makes this up with it’s low price.

Tiffy, Gripen and the Teens come with weapons mostly useless for any other Indian aircraft.
Is there anything else then Paveway II’s qualified on any IAF type ?

And where does this rumor come frome Gripen is integrated with MICA ? I’ve seen the claim on several sites, but no evidence so far.

Rather surprised that nobody has suggested the Su-30MKI/Brahmos combination for air sovereignty/anti-shipping defense.

Well, they are not that cheap to buy and to run. Plus the major thread has quite a bit knowledge about the Sukhoi.

Italy offered 24 T1 Tiffies to Romania for $1bill . But buying them and keeping them operational is quite a difference, and they are more or less one trick ponies.

An other option I though about was getting some SAM’s + ex-British Type 23’s. But then again I don’t know how many will be made available for exports.

BMP 3’s to replace all that light armor junk + SAMs + some Leo II’s /Chally II’s.

RBS 15 just like the Gripens and those wonderful Sisu trucks.

Think this will lead to more efficient development and procurement programmes for Europe as a whole.
For the future of military aircraft in Europe, I think the future is much clearer now.
BAE Systems will be the leader for this whole MALE/HALE stuff with Mantis and derivatives.
Same for UCAV’s with Dassault’s Neuron.