Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Deferred
Short-term F-35 programme savings negatively impact defence capabilities and operational readiness
Conclusion
The Department also acknowledged that short-term savings impact the capability provided by the programme. The ASAF, which measures the stealth characteristics of the UK F-35 fleet, is needed for the Department’s freedom of action policy so that it can deploy the aircraft at any time or place of its choosing.49 The ASAF will not now be delivered until 2032.50 Since its formation in 2023, 809 Naval Air Squadron has been using 617 Squadron infrastructure along with recently-provided temporary accommodation until its permanent infrastructure is delivered.51 46 Q 124 47 Qq 120-122 48 Letter from MoD to PAC, 25 September 2025 49 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.11, 2.9-2.10 50 Letter from MoD to PAC, 25 September 2025 51 C&AG’s Report, para 2.12 14
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and states that as part of the production of the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, the government is considering the long-term impacts of any savings measures on costs and capability of all major programmes.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: November 2027 5.2 As part of the production of the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, the government is considering the long-term impacts of any savings measures on costs and capability of all major programmes. The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise spending across the whole Defence budget as voted to them by Parliament, and set out in the Spending Review settlement, to maximise value for money overall (not just in the F-35 programme). Further details will be published as part of the Defence Investment Plan.