Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 17 March 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 March 2015. It was answered by Philip Dunne (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 March 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

F-35 Aircraft

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many production Joint Strike Fighter F-35B aircraft have been received by the UK armed forces; and how many of those aircraft have achieved supersonic speeds.

Answer: The UK has received three F-35B aircraft in the low rate initial production phase. None of the production aircraft have achieved supersonic speeds to date. Although the F-35 design has been tested up to supersonic flight there is currently a flight restriction that prevents this as the aircraft are awaiting modification. There is currently no requirement for the aircraft to achieve supersonic flight in support of the UK's current phase of introduction to service which is focused initial operational test and training activity.

Secondary information