Britain to buy more F-35 fighters in £2.2 billion push, adding first F-35As and securing substantial UK industry workshare

Britain plans additional F-35 purchases within £2.2 billion of spending across the 2026-27 to 2029-30 financial years, including its first conventional-takeoff F-35As. The aircraft are expected to enter service in the early 2030s and would enable participation in NATO's dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission, while further F-35Bs support carrier operations. The allocation also emphasizes substantial work for UK industry and sits within a broader combat-air investment plan. Aircraft numbers are not stated, and the published figures remain indicative, subject to approvals, affordability, contracting and potential reprioritization.