Background
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is purchasing the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft, as part of a US-led global programme. The UK F-35 programme started in 2001 and the MoD estimates that the fleet will cost more than £18 billion over its life. The 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review stated that the MoD would procure 138 aircraft in total, without specifying a target delivery date. The MoD currently expects to receive 48 aircraft by the end of 2025.
We reported on F-35 capability as part of our series of reports on Carrier Strike, most recently in 2020. Since then, the F-35 fleet has taken part in operations and exercises from land bases and aircraft carriers. Although the date for F-35 achieving full operating capability has been pushed back and the global programme has faced delays and cost increases.
Scope
The study will examine whether the MoD is delivering its F-35 capability aims in a way which maximises value for money, including whether:
- the F-35 programme is meeting clearly defined capability aims
- the MoD has the necessary enablers (workforce, maintenance, weapons, infrastructure) to support its desired capability
- the MoD is managing its F-35 programme effectively, including maximising its influence in the global programme
NAO Team
Director: Tom McDonald
Audit Manager: Toby Evans