Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Monday, 17 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

F-35 Aircraft: Procurement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 140 of the MOD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his decision to cancel the Rolling Vertical Landing upgrade on F-35 capability.

Answer: Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing (SRVL) for the UK's F-35B Lightning aircraft to Queen Elizabeth Class carriers has not been cancelled; it has been re-profiled as a Defence Choice so that fitting the capability aligns with the introduction of a related complex weapons programme. This is not expected to have an adverse impact on overall Carrier Strike or F-35B capability.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91684
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Report and Accounts of Ministry of Defence
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
House of Commons papers
House of Commons; Aircraft Carriers: Procurement
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; F-35 Aircraft: Procurement
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; F-35 Aircraft: Procurement
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; Defence: Procurement
Monday, 16 February 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Defence: Procurement
Monday, 16 February 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Procurement F-35 aircraft
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk