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9h ago

MPs’ Watchdog Faults UK F‑35 Programme Over Costs, Readiness and Nuclear Role

The report questions value for money after ministers ordered 12 F‑35As for NATO’s nuclear mission.

The report looked at the entire F-35 programme, which includes F-35As capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and F35-Bs which have conventional capability, and are pictured here at RAF Marham in Norfolk in 2018 (Photo: Joe Giddens/PA)

Overview

  • Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee says ministers still cannot say when the RAF’s F‑35s will be certified for the NATO nuclear role or what the full cost will be.
  • The MoD’s headline £57bn figure excludes personnel, infrastructure and fuel, with the National Audit Office putting whole‑life costs closer to about £71bn.
  • Only 24 of 37 UK F‑35s are deployable, with the committee citing severe shortages of pilots, engineers and instructors, including just five of 16 instructor posts filled in 2025.
  • MPs highlight a lack of a standoff strike weapon for the jets until the early 2030s, noting delays to the planned Spear 3 missile.
  • The committee details short‑term deferrals that raised long‑term costs, questions the plan to declare Full Operating Capability this year, and reports the MoD’s response that the programme stays within budget, supports 20,000 jobs and aims for two full squadrons by year‑end.