Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 November 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Aircraft Carriers: Procurement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November to Question 91684 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, when the Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing upgrade will take place.

Answer: Equipment to enable UK F-35Bs to undertake Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landings (SRVL) is fitted to HMS Prince Of Wales (PWLS) and underwent initial trials in 2023. The results of those trials continue to be analysed by a commercial partner, and when complete will enable the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to make an accurate assessment of the benefits and cost of further developing the SRVL system for operational use.

The SRVL upgrade cancellation listed on p.140 of the MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 refers only to the fitment of SRVL equipment to HMS Queen Elizabeth (QNLZ) in 2025. There is no impact to the equipment already fitted to PWLS, and the MOD retains the ability to fit such equipment to QNLZ when the outcome of trials in 2023 are fully understood. This represents a Defence Choice; weighing up costs and benefits to prioritise the MOD’s resources effectively.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94232
Session: 2024-26
Related items: F-35 Aircraft: Procurement
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Procurement Aircraft carriers
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk