Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy pilots are needed to qualify on F-35 in 2025.

I am withholding the number of pilots planned to qualify in 2025, as it would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. Throughout 2025, 207 Squadron are continuing to train Qualified Flying Instructors, deliver Operational Conversion Unit courses and providing refresher training for F-35 pilots returning to the Force. This will provide the planned force growth in number of pilots as we progress to Full Operational Capability.