Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the F-35 programme on the UK's (a) military capability and (b) international influence.

The F-35B Lightning is a 5th Generation, swing-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and stealth technology. Whether operating from land or onboard the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers it is a central component of the UK's Combat Air for decades to come. The unrivalled sensor, avionics and weapon employment capabilities of the platform will also undergo continual modernisation to ensure we stay ahead of emerging and proliferating threats.

UK international influence is delivered through the cutting-edge expeditionary capability of the Lightning, able to rapidly deploy and integrate seamlessly with NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force, and Allies and Partners across the globe.

Through Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office approximately 15% of every F-35 aircraft delivered globally is manufactured by UK companies. The UK is the design authority for a range of significant Lightning aircraft components, securing highly skilled jobs within the UK and providing significant economic benefit. For example, the rear fuselage, batteries, ejector seats and actuators are manufactured in the UK for the entire F-35 global fleet. This manufacturing and equipment support for the global fleet of F-35 includes over 100 UK-based Tier 1 suppliers and has created over 20,000 jobs in the UK.