# UK Commits to 138 F-35 Jets

The UK has reaffirmed its lifetime commitment to procure 138 F-35 Lightning aircraft. Forty-eight F-35Bs have been delivered and are operational, and funding has been identified for 27 additional aircraft; the next batch is expected to include the Royal Air Force’s first F-35As. No timeline or contract value was reported for completing the full fleet, so the announcement signals continued procurement intent but does not establish when or at what value further awards will be made.

- The programme has a stated target of 138 aircraft, with 48 operational and funding identified for 27 more.
- Aircraft manufacturers and suppliers should distinguish the funding identified for the additional aircraft from a reported contract award; no award details were provided.
- Contractors planning around UK military aviation demand should account for the expected F-35A introduction while recognizing that the remaining procurement schedule and total contract value are unspecified.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Government
- Royal Air Force (RAF)
- UK Parliament

### Sources
- [UK again commits to 138 F-35 jets](https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-again-commits-to-138-f-35-jets) - UK Defence Journal