US Marines to split F-35 purchase between F-35Bs and Cs

Delays and uncertainties associated with the F-35B Short Take Off Vertical Landing variant have forced a change to the US Marine Corps' acquisition plan with the Marines agreeing to buy the F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter in addition to the F-35B STOVL. The US Navy and USMC had planned to buy a combination of 680 F-35Bs and Cs.