Might want to rethink the F-35, it’s a pile of garbage.
Opinions on that are mixed and I’m hearing both sides, but the simple fact is the F-35B the only option currently under development in terms of a V/STOL fighter and that’s the only option for this type of small carrier.
All the eggs are in one basket. If it doesn’t work, we’re going to get anything different in anything close to the short term, so it’s the one we have to consider and hope works out.