UK will get minimum 48 F-35B to generate two front-line squadrons of F-35B Lightning’s by 2023.

British Ministry of Defence revealed its F-35B acquisition plans. Ministry answered Lord West of Spithead’s question about the minimum buy of F-35B aircraft to ensure the ability to deploy two carriers with the planned 35 jets on each carrier in a national emergency.

Lord’s question referred F-35Bs as “Sea Lightning” but the ministry denied such naming.

Earl Howe, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, replied:

“The Ministry of Defence does not recognise the term ‘Sea Lightning’, with ‘F-35B Lightning’ the designation jointly agreed by the First Sea Lord and the Chief of the Air Staff. Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 stated our intent to buy 138 F-35 Lightning aircraft over the life of the programme.

The first tranche of 48 aircraft will be the F-35B; decisions on subsequent tranches of Lightning will be taken at the appropriate time. We are on track to generate two front-line squadrons of F-35B Lightnings by 2023.”

The Ministry’s answer confirms that the UK designation for F-35, will be ‘Lightning’ and 138 F-35 will be acquired at total, minimum 48 will be F-35B.