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Typhoon Aircraft: F-35 Aircraft

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 July 2026UIN 17835

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the upgraded Typhoon fleet will operate alongside the F-35 Lightning fleet; and what capabilities are expected to be delivered through integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The upgraded Typhoon fleet will operate alongside the F-35 Lightning as complementary elements of the UK’s combat air force. The Typhoon Long Term Evolution (LTE) programme ensures Typhoon Force remains operationally relevant into the 2040s and can continue to meet the UK's air defence and combat air requirements.

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme will augment and enhance the effects of crewed aircraft across a range of air power roles with an initial focus on combat air. We expect CCA capability and capacity to increase over time to ensure that it can operate and integrate continuously with the combat air force.

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