Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is being criticized for undermining its F-35 stealth fighter program through years of short-term budget decisions that have increased long-term costs and left the fleet understrength and undercapable.

A scathing report from Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlights "significant problems" with F35 procurement and management, echoing an earlier rebuke from the National Audit Office (NAO) over similar shortcomings.

The UK's F-35 force lacks essential capabilities, including stand-off weapon to attack ground targets from a safe distance. The Spear missile is ready but awaits integration through Lockheed Martin's Block 4 software update — now delayed until 2031 , five years behind schedule. Without it, PAC warns, the jets can only attack groun

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