The UK’s £71 billion F-35 fighter jet programme is facing serious operational setbacks, with aircraft being mission-ready only one-third of the time. Key issues include a shortage of engineers, spare parts, unexpected corrosion, and delays in weapon integration.
Although the Ministry of Defence has invested £11 billion so far, full programme costs are projected to hit £71 billion by 2069, including operations for 138 aircraft—but excluding weapon costs. A recent National Audit Office report highlights missed economic and strategic benefits due to staffing gaps, infrastructure shortcomings, and procurement delays.
Between October 2024 and January 2025, no jets were mission-ready, and current limitations force British F-35s to use only bombs, making them more vulnerable in combat. Only 48 of the planned 138 F-35Bs have been ordered, with further purchases delayed for financial reasons, now resulting in higher long-term costs and reduced capability.
What are the reasons for the shortcomings? Is it just a question of low pay, which can be upped to provoke candidates into the positions? Or is it, as seems most likely, a change of attitude making it much less “cool” to join or be associated with the armed forces?
Perhaps the solution resides in not only upping the pay and living conditions, but also wideneing the net. Would the Armed forces go on a publicity campaign into the Republic of Ireland for candidates? Should we think of other “mercenaries” to fill the jobs as well as the Nepalis? Surely the so-called CANZUK countries can be a source of labour.? Even our European neighbours? What do you all think?
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