Skip to main content

Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (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.


F-35 Aircraft: Procurement

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the terms of the UK's operational freedom of action under the global F-35 programme.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence has Operational Sovereignty/Freedom of Action to operate the UK 'F-35 aircraft at the time and place of the UK Defence's choosing' and to 'procure critical capabilities to be located in the UK'.

This is combined with an in-depth understanding of the aircraft's capabilities that enable Operational Readiness and risk to be assessed against national legislation, the Geneva Convention and our Duty of Care before committing the equipment and personnel to operations.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
94529
Session
2024-26
Related items
F-35 Aircraft
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Procurement F-35 aircraft
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk