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F-35 Aircraft

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 23 May 2025UIN 52921

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy has made a decision on the future of the F-35B Lightning fighter aircraft.

Answered by Maria Eagle

The F-35B Lightning will be at the forefront of the Nation's conventional deterrent for decades to come.

The Royal Navy's Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy is investigating how to further expand the deployment of uncrewed air systems in Royal Navy ships, including the aircraft carriers.

Decisions on future capabilities are subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunity of the 21st century.

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