The UK expects to complete procurement of an additional 12 F-35A and 15 F-35B aircraft by 2033, with the initial batch of 48 F-35Bs due for delivery by March 2026, according to statements made in the House of Lords.
Speaking during a defence question session, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence Lord Coaker confirmed that the second phase of the UK’s F-35 programme will include 27 aircraft: “12 F-35As and 15 F-35Bs, which will enable the stand-up of the third front-line squadron focused on F-35Bs.”
He added that the government remains committed to acquiring 138 F-35s over the life of the programme, as first stated in its long-term plans.
Lord Coaker also confirmed that the decision to procure F-35As now, ahead of the Defence Investment Plan expected this autumn, was taken in light of “serious geopolitical challenges” and does not alter the total number of aircraft planned. He said it was “important that we made that decision at this particular time in the light of the threat that we face.”
Responding to concerns raised by Lord Houghton of Richmond, Coaker acknowledged that the 12 F-35As would replace 12 of the originally planned F-35Bs and that the A variant is “some 20% cheaper,” saving approximately $240 million. However, he also confirmed that the UK currently lacks the sovereign air-to-air refuelling capability for the F-35A, meaning allied support will be necessary: “He is right about the refuelling capability; there will need to be allied support for that,” Coaker said.
Pressed by Lord West of Spithead, Coaker declined to commit to a review of the UK’s nuclear doctrine but noted that doctrine is always under consideration. He also reaffirmed that the broader investment decisions outlined in the Strategic Defence Review remain on track for the autumn, despite the timing of the F-35A announcement.
Baroness Goldie sought assurance on delivery timelines, to which Coaker responded that he had “every confidence” in meeting the procurement schedule for both variants.
If you need a Plumber to fix that annoying drip, then I’m your bloke.
On a less serious note, I wonder what Corbin thinks about the F35A procurement along with it’s intended role ?
Corbyn is going to be busy creating his new marxist-Islamist alliance party.
If he ever takes power he would sell off the armed forces equipment and give all the money to our ex-colonies.
This split purchase preserves the UK’s option to persue multiple acquisition/deployment strategies for F-35. Inspired decision, whether deliberate or fortuitous.
Hardly inspired. Just more cost cutting
So with 74 aircraft in eight years time we will be able to have three squadrons. WOW! 36 (?) in the active wing and 38 for….?
Availability of F35 is around 50 percent. So yes
I vote the 12 f35A’ s will be called the Lord Coaker squadron and when it’s decided that this was the wrong decision all those involved should hand back their govt pensions
A political purchase.
Lord Robertson did not support it, and said as such. So who decided on this?
8 years, to equip the RAF by 27 further aircraft. Which, no matter how they spin it, is no expansion, considering the hundreds discarded with no replacement over the last 20 years.
How does it improve NATO one iota having 12 RAF jets capable of dropping free fall bombs the US shares in war with other NATO air forces?
Nailed it.
Can we strap Lord Coaker to a B61-12 a la Major TJ “King” Kong when we take delivery of the first F35A ?
12 F-35a, which would fly to collect the bombs from another location. How many will be combat-ready? Hollow posturing.