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What about having the UK F-35Bs getting retrofitted with the GE engines when they finally arrive, I would have thought that it would be possible to do that.
If it was possible it would need to be an exceptionally compelling business case to do so. And I don't think a new replacement engine, even if it was plug and play, would have the evidence in its early days to make that case around long term costs. And as every year any benefits would decrease accordingly.
The only circumstances that I could see it happening is if the F135 experienced serious technical issues relating to its longevity, safety or proved impossible to sustain. And I just can't see that happening so that purchasing $1bn of new engines, changing all the support, retraining etc would be worth it.