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LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

UK’s F-35 Fleet Hampered by Spare Parts and Pilot Shortages

Only a third of £11 billion fleet able to fly at any time

12 July 2025 · 00:49 UTC

Britain’s £11 billion fleet of F-35 fighter jets is struggling with severe shortages of spare parts, pilots, and engineers, leaving only about one-third of the aircraft operational at any given time.

Defense analysts warn the readiness issues could undermine the Royal Air Force’s capabilities at a critical moment.