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F-35 Aircraft

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22967

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress has he made in ensuring a mix of F-35A and B models according to military requirements to provide greater value for money, as outlined in Recommendation 46.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Discussions with the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) are ongoing regarding the procurement profiles and delivery schedule for the next batch of F-35 Lightning aircraft. The next batch is planned to include at least 12 F-35A aircraft for delivery to the Operational Conversion Unit, improving value for money through more efficient training. The overall balance of variants will be determined in accordance with military requirements.

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