Originally Posted by
Lima Juliet
Has Ms Abbott lent you her abacus?
Typhoon
1 Sqn
2 Sqn
3 Sqn
6 Sqn
9 Sqn
11 Sqn
12 Sqn
Plus 29 Sqn (biggest number of jets), plus 41 Sqn (effectively the OEU with a small number of jets)
So that is 7x FL Sqns and at least a further in reserve as the OCU/OEU.
Lightning
617 Sqn
Plus 207 Sqn (the OCU), plus 17 Sqn (the OEU)
Plus 809 Sqn for the Royal Navy
If I recall correctly, there is an intent to buy 138 F35 in total, which will mean more RAF and RN sqns are to come?
It was reported a few years ago that the Lightning Force will have an OCU (207 Sqn), an OEU (17 Sqn), and 4 frontline Squadrons (617 Sqn, 809 NAS and another Squadron from each Service at a later date.) One presumes the third Squadron would likely stand around 2026? I was told 809 NAS will stand in mid 2022.
Of course, I don't believe for a minute that the UK will actually buy 138 F-35's. Being realistic, and given our economic uncertainty at the moment, it will be closer to 100 I suspect.