The UK is set to double its number of world-beating F-35
stealth jets after ordering 17 more aircraft, Defence
Secretary has announced.
The 17 new F-35B aircraft will be delivered between 2020
and 2022 and will complement the 16 British aircraft
currently based at RAF Marham and in the US, as well as two
additional aircraft which are already on order.
Overall, the UK has committed to procure 138 aircraft over
the life of the programme.
Defence Secretary said:
I am delighted to confirm that we are doubling the size
of our F-35 force into a formidable fleet of 35 stealth
fighters. This is another massive order in the biggest
defence programme in history. Our military and industry
are playing a leading role in the F-35 programme. We are
now building this game-changing capability that will soon
be ready for frontline action. This programme is set to
bring an immense boost of £35 billion into the British
economy, and it will be welcome news to our firms that
many more jets are now set for production.
The 17 jets being ordered are part of a $6 billion contract
for 255 aircraft being built for the global F-35
enterprise.
The announcement is also good news for the UK economy, as
British companies are building approximately 15% by value
of all 3,000-plus F-35s planned for production. It is
projected that around £35 billion will be contributed to
the UK economy through the F-35 programme, with around
25,000 British jobs also being supported.
CEO of Defence Equipment and Support, Sir Simon Bollom
said:
As the largest operator of F-35s outside of the US, the
acquisition of 17 more Lightning aircraft underscores our
commitment to the programme. This new contract
demonstrates how our Armed Forces are equipped by
DE&S with the latest equipment and support.
News of this latest order comes as F-35B aircraft are
currently embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth for flying trials
in the US, which continue to progress well. The fighter
jets will be jointly manned by the Royal Air Force and the
Royal Navy and can operate from land and sea, forming a
vital part of Carrier Strike when operating from the Queen
Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
