Ministry of Defence’s F-35 blunder: £57B and counting

Steven

Ministry of Defence’s F-35 blunder: £57B and counting

Summary

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a blistering report on the UK Ministry of Defence’s management of the F-35 programme, criticising a pattern of short-term budget decisions that have pushed up long-term costs and left the fleet understrength and lacking key capabilities.

The committee echoes earlier National Audit Office findings and highlights that whole-life costs for the programme have tripled to about £57 billion (excluding personnel, fuel and infrastructure), with the NAO’s broader estimate rising to around £71 billion. Critical capability delays include the inability to use stand-off weapons because the Spear missile integration depends on the F-35 Block 4 software update, now delayed to 2031. Staffing shortfalls, delayed infrastructure and uncertainty over aircraft variants (F-35A vs F-35B) further risk carrier operations and readiness.

Key Points

  • PAC condemns the MoD’s short-term budget decisions that increase whole-life costs and reduce operational capability.
  • Whole-life cost estimates have risen to about £57bn; NAO’s broader estimate including other costs is ~£71bn.
  • Essential stand-off capability is unavailable because the Spear missile needs Block 4 software, delayed until at least 2031.
  • Delays to support infrastructure for 809 Naval Air Squadron added nearly £100m in extra costs.
  • Shortage of suitably qualified engineers and lower personnel-to-aircraft ratios threaten delivery of full capability.
  • MoD’s decision to buy a dozen F-35A jets without clarifying the A/B mix risks constraining carrier-based operations.
  • PAC demands a six-month update on whole-life costs for the F-35A and timelines for certification and capability upgrades.

Context and relevance

This report matters because it ties together procurement practice, capability shortfalls and public spending. It highlights ongoing issues in defence procurement: budget-driven delays that save money in-year but raise costs and risk operational gaps later. The findings are relevant to anyone following UK defence capability, parliamentary oversight, industrial planning and national security budgeting.

Why should I read this?

Short version: the MoD has been penny-pinching now and paying through the nose later — billions more, fewer-ready jets, and key weapons you can’t use until a software update arrives in 2031. If you care about defence capability, public money or how big projects get mismanaged, this is worth two minutes of your time.

Author style

Punchy: this is a high-stakes procurement mess with real capability consequences. Read the details if you want to understand where the gaps are and why they matter — PAC aren’t just being grouchy, they’re flagging systemic risk to the carriers and the fleet.

Source

Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/11/04/uk_f35_capability_crimped_by/