Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Acknowledged
F-35 aircraft availability compromised by persistent personnel shortages and global support solution reset
Conclusion
The Department also set out the reasons for poor availability of aircraft. It accepted that shortages of personnel, particularly engineers, impacted aircraft availability, and would continue to do so until they were resolved.30 Furthermore, the Department told us that the Global Support Solution, which supplies spare parts, is being reset by the United States so that it 22 Q 120 23 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.22-1.23 24 Qq 85, 104 25 Qq 109, 130 26 Qq 129-130 27 Qq 120-121 28 Q 109 29 Q 113; C&AG’s report, para 2.10 30 Q 104 9 can improve availability.31 The rates at which UK aircraft are unavailable because they are undergoing maintenance or waiting for spare parts are significantly higher than the target set by the global programme.32 31 Q 130 32 C&AG’s Report, para 1.27 10 2 F-35 personnel and accommodation Personnel
Government Response Summary
The department is increasing the number of aircraft engineers to align with Force readiness requirements, and is supporting the US-led F-35 Joint Programme Office in efforts to reset the Global Support Solution to improve performance and increase spares availability. The department is planning further investments in F-35 technical infrastructure at RAF Marham and enhancements to supporting enablers through improvement initiatives.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2.5 Aircraft availability is dependent upon a number of factors including workforce, spares, infrastructure and supporting enablers. Now the department has a better understanding of operating and maintaining a fifth-generation aircraft, the number of aircraft engineers is being increased to align with Force readiness requirements. Although the department has funded additional engineering positions, it will take time to recruit and train the necessary personnel. The UK is also supporting the US-led F-35 Joint Programme Office in efforts to reset the Global Support Solution to improve performance and increase spares availability. The department is planning further investments in F-35 technical infrastructure at RAF Marham and enhancements to supporting enablers through improvement initiatives.