Joint Force Harrier is a defence proposal brought by the British Government as part of Strategic Defence Review. Originally called Joint Force 2000, it rationalised the STOVL forces of both the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm under a single command structure. This force is to be deployable from both Royal Navy Invincible class aircraft carriers and air bases.
The Royal Navy's contribution to the force is the Sea Harrier. With the retirement of the Harrier FA2 Sea Harrier by 2006 the force will migrate entirely to the Harrier GR7, and the upgraded GR9. This aircraft will continue in service until 2012 at which time it should be replaced with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. At the same time the first of the new CVF carriers should enter service, increasing the number of aircraft deployable at sea.
Last updated: 10-15-2005 02:43:39
