Recommendation 3

The F-35 programme faces an unacceptable shortage of several types of personnel, including engineers, cyber specialists, pilots and qualified flying instructors. The Department acknowledges that there are significant shortages of engineers in the F-35 programme, and that this is an impediment to operating the aircraft more often. This shortage reflects a shortage of engineers across the armed forces, which the Department is attempting to tackle with retention bonuses and increased capacity to train new recruits. However, the Department accepts that for F-35s this shortage had been exacerbated by its miscalculation of how many engineers are needed per aircraft. Even now that this mistake has been identified and funding provided for the 168 additional posts required, representing a 20% increase, it will take several years to resolve the shortage. The Department also acknowledges that there are significant shortages in other roles including cyber specialists, pilots and flying instructors. In 2025 only 5 out of 16 flying instructor posts were filled. recommendation The Department should produce a more radical plan to recruit and retain the highly skilled personnel necessary to work on and operate the F-35. The plan should include reference to accommodation as well as pay and other benefits that together provide an attractive offer over the long term.