To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) current and (b) forecasted arrangements are for the (i) forward and (ii) depth maintenance facilities for the F-35 aircraft.

F-35 Lightning 'forward' maintenance is undertaken at Squadron facilities at RAF Marham and on board the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers when aircraft are embarked.

F-35 'depth' maintenance is split between 'medium' and 'heavy' level depot maintenance. All 'medium' depot maintenance is undertaken within the purpose-built F-35 Maintenance and Finish Facility at RAF Marham, while 'heavy' level maintenance is undertaken within the F-35 Program Depot Facilities.

We remain engaged with the F-35 Joint Program Office regarding future heavy level maintenance capacity, to ensure availability as required for the UK F-35 fleet.