F-35C Lightning II a Candidate to Replace F/A-18E/F Super Hornets

In its report to Congress, United States Department of Defense has said that Unites States Navy is considering three options to replace its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets after 2025.

First option is to use the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II, 2nd option is to design a new  manned or unmanned aircraft while third option is to use a combination of first two options.

Selection of the F-35C Lightning II as a candidate to replace a  the fleet of 556 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets puts a big dent in the Boeing's marketing efforts to pitch F/A-18E/F as an alternative to the stealth F-35 Lightning II.

Unites States Navy is already purchasing  F-35C Lightning II to replace early versions of the F/A-18C/D Hornets. US  navy is also currently purchasing F/A-18E/F. 

Last year UK decided to purchase F-35C Lightning II instead of F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL).