Delays and shortages in UK’s F-35 fighter jet fleet , watchdog says
Observing public expenditures, delays, infrastructure gaps and the UK’s most advanced fighter aircraft program weakened the ability to fight for the war of Britain.
The National Supervisory Office (NAO) said that the F-35 secret jet used by the shelf was “significantly superior” to all previous UK aircraft.
However, Nao said that it was a “disappointing return” over 11 billion pounds spent so far, and predicted that the plans for expanding the fleet would cost the first Ministry of Defense (MOD) estimates.
A mode spokesman said the program was in the “approved budget” and will have two F-35 fleets ready to be deployed until the end of the year.
As of June 2025, there are 37 F-35 services deployed on two aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy.
The F-35s, made by American company Lockheed Martin, are superior to all technologically superior to all previous British warplanes and are expected to remain in service until 2069.
However, last year, the “full task talented ratio of the F-35 Fleet-the ability to perform all the tasks needed by the field-was about one-third of the target.
The new aircraft plans to equip with weapons that can attack from a safe range – allows them to preserve their hidden features – postponed to the beginning of the 2030s.
Nao’s report, published on Friday, said that the ability gained by spending £ 11 billion so far – higher than the first 2013 forecasts – is a “disappointing return”.
In the report, the mode predicted £ 18.76 billion for the project, which is estimated by NaO’s “quite low” from the estimation of £ 71 billion.
“MOD should now decide where to prioritize its resources to improve the ability to improve the ability to maximize all the advantages of the F – 35 program to the UK.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain spent national security last month. 5% of GDP until 2035.
This increase is compatible with NATO’s goal, with this year’s top countries. To increase defense expenditures “Deep” security challenges and “long -term threat created by Russia”.
“The report of the National Audit Office rightly recognizes the world-class capabilities of the F-35 fighter aircraft, and its significant economic benefits, including £ 22 billion for business.
He continued: “We recently announced that we will buy 12 F-35A by supporting 20,000 jobs in the UK and we will participate in NATO’s double talented aircraft nuclear.”
