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Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 May 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 June 2018. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 4 June 2018 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


F-35 Aircraft

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Royal Air Force Squadron 617 will be fully operational; and what roles it will fulfil.

Answer

It is planned for the Lightning Force to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) from land bases in December 2018.

At IOC the UK F-35B will, as a multi-role aircraft, have the ability to conduct a full range of missions including air-to-air and air-to-surface operations.

In autumn 2018, we will begin initial flight trials for F-35B aircraft from HMS Queen Elizabeth, building towards delivering an Initial Operating Capability (Carrier Strike) from late 2020.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL8052
Session
2017-19
Subjects
F-35 aircraft
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk