Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
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
A response document is linked to this report, dated 19 January 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗