Every F-35 Brings Value to the UK Economy
Every time an F-35 takes flight anywhere in the world, the UK is part of the mission. As one of the original partners in the F-35 Lightning II programme, the UK plays a vital role in delivering the world’s most advanced fighter jet.Ìý
And while the F-35 Lightning II now provides game-changing 5th Generation capability to the UK Armed Forces, our legacy was forged more than eight decades ago when RAF pilots took to the skies in the Lockheed Hudson ¹û¶³´«Ã½ ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Marauder.Ìý
Today, British suppliers contribute to every F-35 produced, includingÌýcompanies such as BAE Systems, Rolls Royce ¹û¶³´«Ã½ ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Baker, which provide key components. The F-35 brings 5th Generation expertise to the UK, sustaining more than 20,000+ jobs across every region of the UK at the programme’s peak in the 2030s. By 2046, the F-35 programme is projected to generate £45.2 billion in economic value for the UK.Ìý
Capability Today. Deterrence for the Future.
The F-35 provides the Royal Air Force ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Royal Navy with 5th Generation capability to execute complex missions worldwide ¹û¶³´«Ã½ deliver interoperability with NATO ¹û¶³´«Ã½ allied forces.Ìý
In July 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the next batch of F-35 aircraft will include the country’s first F-35As. Offering increased range ¹û¶³´«Ã½ payload, the F-35A exp¹û¶³´«Ã½s capability for the UK, strengthens support of critical NATO missions, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ complements the existing F-35Bs already in service. Ìý
As the backbone of modern deterrence, the F-35 ensures the UK maintains a strategic advantage for decades to come.ÌýÌý
UK F-35 FAQ
A: The fingerprints of British ingenuity are all over the F-35. Components including the ejection seat, aft fuselage, the life support system, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ much more are built by British companies including BAE Systems in Samlesbury, Rolls-Royce in Derby ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Survitec in Ellesmere Port.ÌýÌý
As a result, the F-35 programme has an enormous, positive impact in terms of jobs ¹û¶³´«Ã½ economic value across every region of the UK. At its peak in the 2030s, the F-35 programme will sustain more than 20,000 high-value jobs for British workers ¹û¶³´«Ã½ will contribute a Gross Value Add of £45.2 billion to the UK economy up to 2046, with more projected to continue well beyond that date as new nations join the programme.ÌýÌý
A: The UK currently operates the F-35B variant as the backbone of its Carrier Strike Capability. Operationally, they fly off the two Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers —HMS Queen Elizabeth ¹û¶³´«Ã½ HMS Prince of Wales — ¹û¶³´«Ã½ are based at RAF Marham in Norfolk.  
The F-35 is operated by the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron ‘Dambusters’ ¹û¶³´«Ã½ the 207 Squadron both based at Marham, Norfolk, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ the XVII Test & Evaluation Squadron based at Edwards Air Force Base, California, U.S. F-35s are also operated by the 809 Naval Air Squadron ‘The Immortals’ based at Marham, Norfolk.  
Program MilestonesÌý
