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
-
![Ireland to increase defence capital spending by more than half to $2 billion]()
Ireland to increase defence capital spending by more than half to $2 billion
Ireland has struggled to meet its defence needs in the face of historical underinvestment, current limited funding and its status as a neutral country. Flush with bonus but possibly unreliable tax receipts, the government has committed additional defence capital spending for the rest of the decade.
-
![France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend]()
France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend
The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
