An F-35B Lightning II combat aircraft in flight. Credit: Crown copyright.

The UK Government has signed a multi-million-pound contract for 17 additional F-35B Lightning II combat jets.

The new order will double the UK current F-35 stealth jet fleet to 35 by the end of 2022.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

In total, the country has committed to acquire 138 F-35 joint strike fighters (JSFs) over the programme’s lifetime.

The new short take-off / vertical landing (STOVL) fighter aircraft variant are slated to be delivered to the country between 2020 and 2022.

These additional F-35Bs will join the existing fleet of 16 UK aircraft currently based at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Marham and in the US, in addition to the two jets, which are already on order.

“It will be welcome news to our firms that many more jets are now set for production.”

British manufacturing companies are expected to produce 15% of the overall global order for 255 JSFs valued at $6bn.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The F-35 programme is estimated to generate approximately £35bn to the UK economy, supporting nearly 25,000 job opportunities in the country.

UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I am delighted to confirm that we are doubling the size of our F-35 force into a formidable fleet of 35 stealth fighters.

“This is another massive order in the biggest defence programme in history. Our military and industry are playing a leading role in the F-35 programme.

“We are now building this game-changing capability that will soon be ready for frontline action. This programme is set to bring an immense boost of £35bn into the British economy, and it will be welcome news to our firms that many more jets are now set for production.”

Currently, the F-35B Lightning II jets are embarked on the Royal Navy’s lead Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to conduct flying trials in the US.