To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current fast jet capability of the Royal Air Force and outline any future developments.

RAF frontline fast jet capability is currently provided by Tornado and Typhoon aircraft supported by Hawk jet training aircraft.

However, the RAF continues to transition towards a future combined frontline fleet of Lightning II and Typhoon aircraft. Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft representing a step-change in the UK’s combat air capability, while the Typhoon will provide an enhanced multi-role and Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability, in addition to its original air defence role.