UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade
The UK ordered 12 F-35A aircraft in June 2025 and will join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear mission. (Photo:
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has said that the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) should expected to receive the next tranche of its F-35 aircraft purchase by the end of the decade.
The 27 aircraft will be a mix of F-35Bs and include the 12 newly acquired F-35A aircraft, according to Healey.
The UK declared its intent to acquire 12 F-35A aircraft on 25 June, swapping out some of its F-35Bs as part of its overall commitment to purchase 138 F-35 aircraft.
Shephard Defence Insight projects that a formal contract for the 12 F-35As will be awarded by mid-2026 with a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped]()
Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the decision to discontinue discussions on the fighter training detachment was mutually agreed with the US.
-
![India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals]()
India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals
With US tariffs and stalled defence talks slowing imports, India has cleared a $3.4 billion plan for 87 tri‑service MALE UAVs with 60% indigenous content – accelerating self‑reliance as operational lessons from May’s four‑day conflict drive urgency.
