UK Lightning (F-35) Force HQ makes an interesting comment with regard to the F-35 vs Harrier...

UK @LightningFHQ plans to operate F-35B 'off-strip'. "Won't be as carefree as the Harrier, but something we are looking to do", Force Commander tells me at @DefenceIQ #FighterEvent. Also, he expects any decision to procure A or stick with B to be made at next SDSR due 2020. pic.twitter.com/vCIMLzsk7L

— Gareth Jennings (@GarethJennings3) November 14, 2018

Interesting.

It won't be as carefree as the Harrier?  The crazy thing?  The Harrier didn't exactly have a small footprint when operating from austere bases.  

This is suppose to be one of the hallmarks of the Marine Corps distributed operations plan.  

How can a 100 million dollar plus airplane operate effectively from austere locations...or "off strip"?  Would you even be willing to risk such a high priced asset in that way?

Doubts, doubts and more doubts....