Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the Combat Air capacity required by the UK beyond that provided by F-35B aircraft attributed to Carrier Strike; and how the UK F-35 Programme of Record will contribute to that capacity.

The operational capacity and capability offered by the Combat Air Force, constituting Typhoon and F-35b Lightning, have ambitious capability development plans to ensure that the UK can sustain operational advantage into the future. Our requirements are reviewed regularly - including as part of the ongoing Integrated Review - to ensure provision of a balanced portfolio which addresses current and future threats in line with our National Security Objectives.