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Look at this...
For the example above, the old US Navy would sail with 5 or 6 different platforms, one for specific mission. That eventually became unaffordable in terms of logistics and manpower. The Viking's wings folds to make room for storage. The mechanisms for the wings are starboard/port specific, meaning they are not interchangeable. That is a logistical burden. Technicians who works on the Vikings may not be certified to work on the F-14 or F-18. That is an HR burden. Now do that for 5 different aircrafts, not counting helos.
If it is not the F-35, it would be another aircraft designed to replace the multitudes of platforms that US air power have. Personally, I feel that the VTOL necessity for the Marines warranted a distinct platform away from the F-35 base. But no matter what, a common platform is inevitable.
Common platform will reduce costs substantially. Less logistics nightmare.