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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
David Hughes

UNCOVERED: Raf s most advanced jet a disappointing return on 11 billion cost nao says 9385bf7a 4021 4fb8 8f34 da9a4939428f - The Untold Story

The first four F-35B Lightning II fifth generation, multi role combat aircraft, arrive at RAF Marham on June 6, 2018 in Kings Lynn, England - (Getty Images)

Britain’s £71 billion F-35 Lightning stealth jet programme has been plagued by significant delays, equipment shortages, and a critical lack of pilots and engineers, according to the public spending watchdog.

Despite the National Audit Office hailing the F-35, used by the RAF and on Royal Navy carriers, as "significantly superior" to all previous UK aircraft, the £11 billion already spent on the project represents a "disappointing return" when measured against the Ministry of Defence’s initial ambitions.

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