The Ministry of Defence must take urgent action to address delays and capability gaps in its F-35 fighter jet programme, according to a new report by the National Audit Office (NAO).
The UK currently operates 37 F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft, with 10 more on order. However, this falls short of the government’s commitment to eventually procure 138 jets, and the programme is delivering less operational capability than originally planned.
The NAO report outlines a range of issues affecting the programme, including delays to weapons integration, low aircraft availability, and shortages of engineering personnel. These problems, it warns, are undermining the UK’s broader warfighting capability.
Delays to Full Capability
The Ministry originally aimed to reach Full Operating Capability for the F-35 fleet in 2023, but that milestone has now been pushed back to late 2025. The delay is attributed to funding pressures, infrastructure gaps, and problems within the global supply chain.
Efforts to equip the aircraft with UK-specific weapons systems, such as domestically developed missiles, and to certify their stealth performance have also been delayed until the 2030s.
Cost Discrepancies
The MoD has so far spent £11 billion on the programme, more than originally forecast in its 2013 business case. The Ministry publicly estimates the total whole-life cost of the programme at £18.76 billion.
However, the NAO places the figure much higher, at £71 billion, once the cost of aircraft, infrastructure, personnel and long-term support are included.
Industrial Benefits
Despite the setbacks, the programme has delivered significant industrial and economic benefits to the UK. British firms manufacture at least 15% by value of every F-35 built, despite the UK only accounting for under 5% of total global orders. This has generated £22 billion in contracts for UK industry.
The aircraft itself is considered far more advanced than any previous UK military jet, offering enhanced stealth, data fusion and electronic warfare capabilities.
Recommendations for Reform
The NAO report highlights good leadership and sound day-to-day management within the programme but identifies broader systemic issues within the MoD that hinder progress. These include short tenures for key personnel, unclear accountability, and rigid commercial and financial processes.
It recommends that the MoD:
- Extend programme leadership tenures
- Simplify approval and accountability structures
- Increase commercial flexibility
- Develop and maintain a clear whole-life value assessment for the F-35 programme
This would provide a stronger basis for future investment decisions and help ensure the programme delivers its full military and economic potential.
“The F-35 programme offers significantly improved capability and considerable economic benefits to the UK,” the NAO concluded. “But the capability benefits are not being fully realised due to delays, infrastructure gaps and personnel shortages.”
