Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
The Lightning II is a sophisticated stealth jet that will be used for both land...
Conclusion
The Lightning II is a sophisticated stealth jet that will be used for both land and carrier-based operations. In 2015, the Department announced that it intended to purchase 138 jets. It is purchasing the jets in tranches under a memorandum of understanding with the US Government. It has ordered 48 jets, the last of which is due to be delivered in 2025–26, and currently has 18 jets.38
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
4a: PAC recommendation: It should provide the Committee with a full and detailed breakdown of Lightning II related expenditure to date, the approved budget and the forecast whole life costs of the Programme. 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: January 2021 4.2 The department has arranged for a private briefing session on 20 January 2021 to discuss Lightning II related expenditure. To note: The briefing date has been agreed with the Committee, however, this does not meet the recommendation timeline (within one month). 4.3 The briefing will cover the Whole Life Costs (WLC) of the 48 F-35 aircraft that the department is currently committed to purchase and includes the current programme approval levels. The procurement strategy for Lightning II is one of incremental acquisition and was approved at Main Gate 2 in 2006. This strategy tied the UK to a through-life collaborative partnership within the Joint Strike Fighter Programme, using the governance and procurement processes set out in the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development memorandum of understanding. 4.4 The WLC model considers all the acquisition phases from Lightning inception to aircraft disposal and are based upon the current mandate for 48 F-35Bs with an out of service date of 2048. The costs do not include operating costs such as service delivered manpower, fuel and weapons expenditure that are covered under separate Top-Level Budgets.