UK PulseThe national picture
All major projects

MOD

March 2026 snapshot

LIGHTNING PROGRAMME

Military Capability

Official NISTA record

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost
Not disclosed
Published schedule
01/10/2001 – 31/03/2026
NISTA delivery confidence
Not disclosed
Senior responsible owner
Nicholas Lowe

What the project is for

F-35B Lightning is a key element of Combat Air - a 5th Generation combat air vehicle with advanced sensors, mission systems and low observable technology. The F-35B provides real strategic opportunity, and its impressive capability has already been demonstrated and is recognised. It is jointly operated by the RAF and RN from both land and sea, with a main operating base at RAF Marham which currently houses 617 Squadron and 207 Squadron, the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The Lightning Force growth through delivering the second squadron, 809 NAS, at RAF Marham is a key dependency for the successful delivery of a critical Defence milestone of Carrier Strike capability.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 increased to GREEN. This is primarily due to the following factors. 1. The Initial Procurement Phase Full Operating Capability has been achieved, the benefits set out in the mandate have been delivered or are on track, and the Programme is now well positioned to transition responsibility to the Responsible Senior Owner and move into the Second Procurement Phase. 2. The GREEN rating was confirmed at Feb-26's Gateway Level 5 Review where the Review Team concluded that the Initial Procurement Phase of the UK’s F35 Lightning Programme had met its mandate and was ready for Graduation from the GMPP.

Schedule

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the programme's end-date at 25/26-Q4 remained the same at 31/03/2026.

Cost

Exempt under Section 43 - Commercial interests

Benefits

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the project's departmentally agreed Benefits at 25/26-Q4 (measured in £m) remained at 0. This is primarily due to the following factors. No monetised benefits.