Tenth Report - Aviation Procurement: Winging it?

The government asserts that its current combat air fleet, reinforced by investments from the 2021/2023 Defence Command Paper and its contribution to NATO, already provides a sufficient deterrent and warfighting capability. It argues that effectiveness is not solely determined by aircraft numbers but by multi-domain operations and competitive advantage.

The government confirms Tranche 1 (48 aircraft by 2025) and Tranche 2 (27 aircraft, early next decade) purchases, and will consider the eventual F-35 fleet size and variant choice in the mid-2020s as part of the next Strategic Defence Review. It clarifies the Lightning force is RAF-owned but jointly-crewed and operated, and states it is not UK policy to routinely deploy carriers with USMC aircraft embarked.

The RAF has completed its Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) Strategy, which includes ambitious, time-bounded targets for delivery of air vehicles and key technology enablers, and will publish it in the near future. The strategy will focus on delivering ultra low-cost air vehicles in the near term.

The government states that the Wedgetail programme, with a £2 billion procurement and further £2 billion sustainment investment, will provide a step change in Airborne Early Warning and Control capability. It acknowledges an increased risk during the transition but prioritises enabling NATO operations once Wedgetail enters service.

The government states it already applies the Cabinet Office Social Value Model to all in-scope competitive procurements to ensure contractor investment in the UK. It also actively engages with industry to de-risk critical defence supply chain vulnerabilities and identifies critical pinch points.

The government acknowledges a short-term drop in air mobility capacity due to the C-130J Hercules retirement but states critical operational commitments are being met by accelerating the transfer of capability to the Atlas A400M. It offers regular updates on the Atlas A400M and F-35 programmes to the Committee.

The government agrees to provide regular updates on the availability of the A400M fleet, proposing to combine them with the existing six-monthly F-35 programme updates.

The government acknowledges delays in pilot training and has taken concerted action with industry to rectify Hawk engine availability issues. It has also reinforced leadership of pilot training at a 3-star level and created a quarterly Aircrew Pipeline Steering Group, offering regular updates on trainee holding numbers.

The government agrees to provide regular updates to the Committee on pilot holding numbers within the flying training pipeline, stating they are committed to reducing these to optimum levels.

The government is introducing initiatives to increase flying training flexibility, including significant capacity improvements in synthetic training and a live-virtual construct. The UK also joined the NATO Flying Training Europe (NFTE) initiative in October 2023 to pool training resources with allies, aiming to improve value for money and flexibility.

The government declined a full review, stating that existing contractual arrangements are already subject to regular amendments and refinements. It confirmed it is already conducting a targeted review of the incentive structure within the existing contractual framework.

The government stated it is not planning an 80/20 synthetic to live flying training mix, explaining that the optimal balance is constantly reviewed and varies by platform. It also affirmed that the needs of RAF technicians are under continuous review and the UK's approach aligns with NATO policy and guidance.

The government defends its current funding allocation for Defence, citing a £24 billion increase over four years, and asserts that the RAF is being modernised and transformed through existing investment to remain capable for current and future threats.