UK F-35 Fleet Faces Delays, Staffing Shortages

The NAO report, released July 11, noted that Britain’s 37 active F-35s achieved only one-third of their mission goals in 2024. Plans to integrate key weapons like the Meteor air-to-air missile and SPEAR 3 stand-off missile have been postponed until the 2030s, limiting the jets' full combat potential.

Although the Ministry of Defence maintains the program is within its approved equipment budget, the NAO estimates total lifetime costs—including personnel, fuel, and facilities—could exceed £71 billion. This figure significantly overshadows the MoD’s earlier £18.76 billion forecast.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, stated that the program “offers significantly improved capability and economic benefits,” but emphasized that “the capability benefits are not being fully realised.”

Defence Ministry Faces Pressure Over Readiness

Despite setbacks, the MoD says it remains on track to have two full squadrons operational by the end of 2025. However, experts like Douglas Barrie from the International Institute for Strategic Studies argue the continued delays harm the UK’s strategic airpower credibility.

Britain, the top-tier international partner in the US-led F-35 program, has so far committed to purchasing 138 jets and already spent £11 billion. The UK’s domestic industry contributes approximately 15% of the value of all global F-35 production, generating around £22 billion in contracts.

Yet, persistent technical issues and a jet stranded in southern India due to mechanical problems illustrate the broader challenges in fielding a fully capable fleet.