Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 3 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, (a) what steps and (b) how long will it take to address the shortage of engineers in the F-35 programme.

I refer the hon. Member to page 15, paragraphs 15-17 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has increased its recruitment of engineers significantly in the last two years; offering joining bonuses and increasing the capacity of its technical training skills to enable more recruits to be trained more quickly. To improve retention the RAF has implemented a Financial Retention Incentive for engineers. The MOD has acknowledged that the F35 programme suffers from a shortage of engineers and that it is crucial that the Department addresses this issue, with significant steps already having been taken to improve the situation. However, training time required for engineers means that it is expected to take three or four years before the programme has the required numbers. The MOD has noted the Public Accounts Committee’s recommendations related to personnel and will be responding through the Treasury Minute Process in due course. The recruitment and retention of personnel remains one of the top two priorities for the Chief of the Defence Staff.

With reference to paragraph 5 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, for what reason the out of service date was extended from 2048 to 2069.

The decision to extend the out-of-service date for the UK F-35B fleet to 2069 was made by the previous Government.

What elements are included within the whole-life cost estimate of £57 billion for the F-35 programme.

The whole-life cost estimate includes procurement and sustainment of 138 F-35 aircraft to 2069, including technical infrastructure, weapons integration, and aircraft upgrades. Within the development of the Defence Investment Plan, F-35A Dual Capable Aircraft costs are calculated in accordance with departmental policy.

How many and what percentage of flying instructor roles are currently gapped within the F-35 programme.

53% of flying instructor roles are currently gapped on the Lightning training Squadron, this is an improvement of some 20% since the publication of the National Audit Office report in July 2025. The shortfall is mitigated by using flying instructors from elsewhere on the Lightning Force.

What estimate has he made of the additional whole-life costs of operating the F-35A as a Dual-Capable Aircraft.

The whole-life cost estimate includes procurement and sustainment of 138 F-35 aircraft to 2069, including technical infrastructure, weapons integration, and aircraft upgrades. Within the development of the Defence Investment Plan, F-35A Dual Capable Aircraft costs are calculated in accordance with departmental policy.

With reference to paragraph 23 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, what progress has he made on delivering new infrastructure for 809 Naval Air Squadron by 2029.

The Department is considering the PAC report in detail and will respond to its findings in detail through the Treasury Minute process. New infrastructure for the Naval Air Programme continues to be progressed with a current completion target of the first quarter of 2030.

What interim solutions he has identified to fill the capability gap left by delays to the SPEAR 3 missile programme.

The F-35B Lightning's fifth-generation capabilities are transforming its operational effectiveness. The Lightning uses advanced stealth low observable capabilities and unparalleled sensor fusion and threat detection. When combined with the Lightning Electronic Warfare, Jamming and Electronic Attack capabilities, it provides the capability to dominate a highly contested battlespace.In parallel, its sensor fusion and advanced secure datalinks enable it to share threat and advanced targeting information with other UK offensive assets and those of Allies in real time to coordinate with a wide range of other stand-off weapon systems across maritime, land and air-based systems to achieve a wider decisive Joint Fires effect.The future F-35B munitions strategy is being addressed through the Defence Investment Plan.

How many and what proportion of UK F-35 aircraft have had their stealth characteristics measured.

A revised Business Case for a Sovereign Low Observable Verification Facility will be submitted in 2027. We do not comment on the stealth characteristics of individual aircraft for very obvious operational reasons.

What assessment has he made of the effect of the order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons on the timeline of the delivery of the Phase 4 Enhancement Programme for the UK Typhoon fleet.

The order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons for Türkiye aligns with long term goals of supplying a NATO member with advanced military equipment. A sale of this significance will bring benefits to UK Industry, the Eurofighter Partner Nations and NATO. It has been assessed that there will be no impact on the delivery of the Phase 4 Enhancement Programme for the UK Typhoon fleet.

What tranche of Eurofighter Typhoon has been purchased by Turkey.

Turkey have purchased Tranche 4 aircraft.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of replacing the L16 81mm mortar.

The L16A2 81 mm mortar remains an effective piece of equipment. The Army is regularly assessing the effectiveness of its capabilities to ensure that soldiers have the best possible range of weapons to help them achieve their mission.

When he expects the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee meeting to take place for Project Grayburn.

On current plans, the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC) is expected to meet this Autumn regarding Project GRAYBURN.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79398 on NATO Countries: Armoured Fighting Vehicles, what recent progress he has made in appointing a new Director General International Collaboration and Exports.

Avril Joliffe is the Director General for International Collaboration and Exports. This is a permanent position with no current plans for recruitment.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79246 on Military Alliances, what steps he has taken to enhance cooperation through the EU's Security Action for Europe instrument.

I refer the Member to the answer I gave on Friday 31 October to Question 84841.

What vehicles are in scope to be procured under the Common Armoured Vehicle System programme.

The Army has joined the Technical Agreement for Common Armoured Vehicle System joining several European partners in early scoping of a modular single platform which can be adapted for different roles. The vehicle roles in scope are General Purpose, Utility, Communications, Maintenance, Medical, Troop Carrying, Protected Patrol, Tactical Mobility and Air Defence.

When he plans to deliver the Global Decision Support System.

The Global Decision Support System is in the capability planning and concept development stage. The establishment of a funded project remains dependant on Defence investment prioritisation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79317 on Defence: Industry, from which FTSE100 companies he has invited senior executives to participate in defence education courses.

In accordance with the Strategic Defence Review, the Defence Academy is assessing options to invite FTSE100 executives to attend courses at Shrivenham.

What the full scope is of Project Shrinker.

Project Shrinker is a Defence procurement project. For reasons of operational security, I cannot provide any further details.

What the full scope is of Project Shamer.

Project Shamer is a Defence procurement project. For reasons of operational security, I cannot provide any further details.

How many Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft will be delivered to Turkey in each year from 2030.

Information about the number of aircraft delivered on an annual basis is commercially and military sensitive information, and it would not be appropriate for us to disclose this on behalf of our Turkish partners.