The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has reaffirmed the UK’s key position in the global F-35 Lightning II programme following questions raised by Tristan Osborne, Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford, about the country’s involvement in the international supply chain for the fighter jet.
In a written response on 5 February 2025, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, made it clear that the F-35 programme is not based on a set workshare arrangement but operates as a competitive international supply chain where contracts are won on merit. “The UK has been successful in securing F-35 work to date and is well-placed to continue securing work in the future,” she said.
Eagle cited data from Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office, stating that approximately 15% of every F-35 aircraft delivered worldwide is produced by UK companies. This figure, while somewhat contested, highlights the significant role the UK plays in the programme.
The UK manufactures a wide array of essential F-35 components, including rear fuselages, batteries, ejector seats, and actuators. Eagle pointed out that the UK’s design authority over these parts “secures highly skilled jobs within the UK and provides significant economic benefit.”
She also confirmed that over 100 UK-based Tier 1 suppliers are involved in the programme, creating more than 20,000 jobs in the UK. While the F-35 programme doesn’t operate on a formal workshare basis, the government remains confident that UK industry will continue to compete for future contracts to support the global F-35 fleet.
