Integrated Review offers F-35 funding relief but cuts not confirmed
The first part of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy has given the F-35 programme a financial shot in the arm, but a question mark over aircraft numbers looks only to be resolved once a 'Command Paper' is released on 22 March.
The Integrated Review (IR) of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy by the UK government has allocated additional funding towards the cost of 48 F-35B fighter jet aircraft on order, in a move that offers a way out of a £7.9 billion ($10.97 million) black hole identified by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The first part of the IR – released on 16 March – confirmed that part of an extra £24 billion in defence spending, over four years, will progress UK carrier strike capabilities 'with at least 48 F-35s by 2025'.
This represents welcome news for decision-makers and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
