Recommendation 13

The Department depends on the availability of various supporting capabilities if it is to achieve the full operational capabilities of Carrier Strike in 2023, and ultimately Carrier Enabled Power Projection in 2026.37 For example, the lack of inflight re-fuelling aircraft and ISTAR high range cover, will severely limit the range and operational capabilities of the lightning aircraft. We were very concerned, therefore, that the Department could not assure us when, or indeed if, these necessary capabilities would be in place. Buying enough planes