Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
F-35 Full Operational Capability definition omits critical standoff weapon and personnel readiness
Conclusion
The Department acknowledged that its definition of FOC excludes a crucial element of capability. It does not include a requirement to integrate Spear 3 onto the F-35 to provide a standoff weapon to attack ground targets from a safe distance, which it does not expect to have until the early 2030s. This is despite the Chief of the Defence Staff telling us that this was what worried him most about the F-35 and its capability.14 The Department also acknowledged that it will not have resolved personnel shortages that pose a risk to capability before the planned FOC declaration.15
Government Response Summary
The government response is entirely unrelated to the recommendation regarding the F-35 FOC definition, Spear 3 integration, or personnel shortages, instead discussing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreements with the EU and strengthening resilience to animal disease.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. requested by the Committee, noting that the negotiations for a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, and timescales involved, will need to be integrated into development of this work. The department will examine strategic themes to determine how to strengthen long-term resilience to animal disease. The review will take account of other strategic interdependencies such as the livestock ID and traceability reforms, APHA’s systems reforms, upgrades to the National Biosecurity Centre, Veterinary Workforce and Vaccine Availability strategies and the UK Biological Security Strategy.