Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Rejected
Future mix of F-35 variants for procurement remains undecided beyond next phase
Conclusion
The Department is deciding what mix of the two F-35 variants to buy in its procurement process. In Phase 1 the UK has contracted for 48 F-35Bs, which can fly from land bases and aircraft carriers. In June 2025 the Department announced its intention to buy 12 F35As, which cannot fly from aircraft carriers, but which can carry nuclear weapons, as part of its next phase of 27 aircraft.60 The Department told us that it has not yet decided which variants to buy beyond the next procurement phase.61 That decision will be considered in future defence strategic reviews and investment plans.62
Government Response Summary
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Costs and timescales associated with the UK's Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission are classified Secret.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation 6.2 Costs and timescales associated with the UK's Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission are classified Secret. Subject to the necessary clearances and following the Defence Investment Plan publication, a briefing to the Committee at Secret can be arranged to offer more detail on the departmental approach to the NATO nuclear mission.