A new report by the UK Parliament reveals that budget shortfalls, staff shortages, and planning failures in the F-35 jet programme are putting the country’s air power at risk. Only 37 of the planned 138 aircraft are in service.
The UK’s F-35 fighter jet programme, led by the United States, has failed to reach its intended goals nearly 40 years after its inception.
With only 37 of the planned 138 aircraft currently in service, the programme is sinking deeper into crisis due to financial constraints, a shortage of pilots and engineers, and worsening operational challenges.
According to a report published by the Public Accounts Committee of the UK Parliament, the Ministry of Defence’s short-term savings decisions have increased long-term costs and undermined the aircraft’s operational capability.
“Unacceptable” Staff Shortages
The report emphasised that the shortage of pilots and engineers has reached “unacceptable” levels, restricting flight frequency.
The committee stated that at least 168 more engineers must be hired to fill the gap—representing a 20% increase in the current workforce.
Based at RAF Marham since 2013, the F-35 fleet has also struggled with inadequate infrastructure and substandard accommodation, creating difficulties in recruitment and staff retention.
Five Key Findings
The parliamentary report identified five major issues plaguing the UK’s F-35 programme:
Critical Facility Delay:
The investment in the Air Signature Assessment Facility, which ensures the F-35’s radar stealth, was postponed to save £82 million. However, the decision is projected to add an extra £16 million in costs when the facility is completed in 2032.
Tripled Infrastructure Costs:
Delaying the naval fleet infrastructure by six years increased costs from £56 million to £154 million.
Unrealistic Budget Estimates:
The Ministry of Defence estimated the total cost of 138 jets at £57 billion by 2069. However, MPs criticised this as “unrealistic” since it excludes fuel and maintenance expenses.
Weapon System Deficiencies:
F-35B jets will reportedly not have access to long-range missiles until the 2030s, posing a serious vulnerability in potential conflicts with nations possessing advanced air defence systems.
Operational Capability Claim:
Despite the shortcomings, the Royal Air Force plans to declare that its F-35B fleet has reached “full operational capability.” Experts, however, say this claim “does not reflect reality.”
“Short-Term Decisions, Long-Term Losses”
Committee Chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown strongly criticised the Ministry of Defence’s financial management:
“If you’re a homeowner with a leaking roof, taking short-term cost-saving decisions is ill-advised. In a complex fighter jet programme, such mistakes cause irreversible damage.”
Nuclear-Carrying Capability Unclear
In June, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to purchase F-35A variants capable of carrying US nuclear weapons. However, there is still no clear timeline or cost estimate for certifying these aircraft for NATO missions.
The Ministry of Defence plans to purchase 15 F-35Bs and 12 F-35As with a budget of £3.2 billion.
Statement from the Ministry of Defence
In response to the report’s findings, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
“Most of the decisions referenced in this report were made under previous governments. As part of the new Strategic Defence Review, we have developed comprehensive plans to address long-standing issues in procurement, infrastructure, recruitment, and skills.”
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