Originally Posted by TIN MAN

SCOREFOUR, yes, the ASRAAM will be the prime weapon and it interesting that this missile has not been cleared for external carriage... The bays are "wired" for AMRAAM as well, although it remains to be seen if any of these missiles will be carried by UK F-35`s.
It will be a pure strike aircraft in RAF service and traditionally strikers don`t carry long range AAM`s. I think the RN will push for AMRAAM for their aircraft as their birds will be used for fleet air defence and strike, although the MOD will argue that the Type 45 destroyer will negate the need for RN F-35 AMRAAM carriage. This is the world seen through the dark glasses of the MOD, always with an eye on saving cash!