Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
F-35 capability limitations result from global programme dependencies, supplier issues, and ASAF delays
Conclusion
The Department set out why these capability limitations have occurred. It told us that its ability to integrate new weapons was dependent on the global F-35 programme run by the United States Department of Defense. It requires the major software enhancements provided by Tech Refresh 3 and Block 4, which has not yet been fully defined or timetabled and which the UK cannot directly influence.25 The Department acknowledged that delivery of Spear 3 is also negatively impacted by supplier performance.26 The Department also told us that it had delayed building the ASAF to save money for higher priorities elsewhere in Defence, acknowledging that this short-term saving would cost more money in the long-term.27
Government Response Summary
The government will set out its approach to delivering the Strategic Defence Review and the investments required to deliver the Integrated Force in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, including details on the standoff capability requirement.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
2a. PAC recommendation: The Department should set out in the Defence Investment Plan how it will ensure a standoff capability in the coming years before Spear 3 is fully integrated onto the aircraft. 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: November 2027 2.2 The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out the government’s approach to delivering the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and the investments required to deliver the Integrated Force. This will provide details of the government’s balance of investment across the full range of military capabilities, including the capability requirement identified by the Committee.