MOD cost-cutting crippled RAF's F-35 capability and left jets short of crews, PAC report finds
The Ministry of Defence's cost-cutting approach has caused significant problems in the use of the Royal Air Force's F-35 aircraft, a Commons Public Accounts Committee report has found.
In a new report on the F-35's capability, the government spending watchdog's committee has called for a more radical plan to address the "unacceptable" personnel shortages, while raising questions over the cost of introducing F-35As in their nuclear weapons role.
The report highlighted that the MOD's pattern of short-term decision-making affected the F-35's capability, flight availability, and value for money.
Public Accounts Committee chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown told BFBS Radio that "critically in terms of cost, short-termism definitely increases costs in the long term".
"The department delayed providing 809 Naval Air Squadron infrastructure by six years, increasing costs by £100m," Sir Geoffrey said.
The cost of 809 Naval Air Squadron's infrastructure has increased from £56m to a forecast of £154m because it was put off until 2029, according to the report.
Other examples in the report include the delayed investment in the facility which assesses the F-35's stealth capability.
The report said that in the short term, £82m was saved by 2024-25, but inflation from building later will have cost the department £16m more by 2031-32.
In 2010, the MOD decided to delay the delivery of some aircraft to make short-term financial savings, therefore reducing the number of aircraft available now.
This situation deteriorated further as seven aircraft were delayed by a year in 2020 for the same reason.
Sir Geoffrey said that these delays have caused the programme's cost to "spiral" from an estimated £18.4bn in 2013 to an estimated £57bn this year.
"The F-35 is the best fighter jet this nation has ever possessed," the North Cotswolds MP said.
"If it is to be wielded in the manner in which it deserves, the MOD must root out short-termism, complacency and miscalculation in the programme."
The report also revealed that there is an engineer shortage, meaning it is harder to get the multi-role aircraft flying more often after the MOD miscalculated the number of engineers required per aircraft. The problem will take several years to resolve.
It also showed that RAF Marham, the F-35's main operating base, has substandard accommodation. Personnel said the base is "shabby" and that it occasionally lacks hot water and buses to visit a local town. The improvements to the base are scheduled to be completed by 2034.
An MOD spokesperson said: "This report rightly recognises the world-class capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet, which remains within the approved budget, supports 20,000 jobs across the UK and creates £22bn of work for UK companies, backing defence as an engine for growth.
"Many of the decisions referenced in the report were taken under the previous government, and we have set out plans to tackle historic issues with procurement, infrastructure, recruitment and skills through the Strategic Defence Review.
"Our plans will ensure the programme delivers on budget, and for our Armed Forces, including having two full squadrons of F-35 fighter jets ready for deployment by the end of this year."
Join Our Newsletter
