The Navy faces a shortfall of fighter aircraft and is "completely committed" to the next-generation F-35 strike fighter, a top U. S. Navy officer has said.

The Navy needs the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter's fifth-generation capabilities, Rear Adm. Michael C. Manazir, head of Naval Aviation Programs on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations and acting director of air warfare, told reporters in Washington on Monday.

American Forces Press Service reported on Tuesday that Manazir made the public statements in an effort to "completely dispel the rumor that the Navy is soft on F-35C."

The F-35C is designed to operate on aircraft carriers while the F-35A was designed for the Air Force and the F-35B, designed for vertical takeoff and landing, is intended for use by the Marines.

The report further said that there has been speculation the Navy will use F-18s because of delays in the joint strike fighter program and associated cost overruns. However, while commending the FA-18E and FA-18F Super Hornets, Manazir said they lack the capabilities of the F-35C.

The Navy has been planning for more than 10 years to add the F-35C to its array of weaponry.

He also said, "We need to move into the F-35C to realize our vision of tactical air coming off of carriers. We're completely committed to the F-35C." (With Inputs from Agencies)