Military Airworthiness
The MOD AMS web site currently says the following about Military Airworthiness - note the word is "Regulations":
JSP 553 Military Airworthiness Regulations
(formerly JSP 318B)
JSP 553 details the regulations for the Airworthiness of MOD Aircraft. This document is intended for staffs concerned with the policy aspects of MOD aircraft, Project Sponsorship, and the preparation of Military Aircraft Release, Service Deviations and other Service initiated changes of an operational or engineering nature.
Prior to 1 Jul 03, military airworthiness regulations were published in JSP 318B 4th Edition AL2. JSP 318B has been re-issued as JSP 553 as part of the Military Aviation Regulation Document Set (MARDS). The policy content of the 1st Edition of JSP 553 is identical to that of JSP 318B 4th Edition AL2.
The full MARDS, which is available by accessing the MARDS web site on the RLI comprises:
JSP 550 Military Aviation Policy, Regulations and Directives (formerly JSP 318)
JSP 551 Military Flight Safety Regulations (formerly AP 3207)
JSP 552 Military Air Traffic Service Regulations (formerly JSP 318A)
JSP 553 Military Airworthiness Regulations (formerly JSP 318B)
JSP 554 Military Aviation Aerodrome Criteria and Standards (formerly JSP 455)
JSP 556 Military Test Flying Regulations (formerly Director Flying's Instructions)
JSP 558 Military Aviation Diplomatic Approvals and Clearances (mid 2004) (formerly AP 1158)
You need legal access to the MOD Intranet to look at JSP 553, but no doubt one of the contributors to this site will be able to check the latest definition. The old JSP 318B, which seemed to be more concerned with procedures rather than regulations, defined airworthiness as:
The ability of an aircraft or other airborne equipment or system to operate without significant hazard to aircrew, groundcrew, passengers (where relevant) or to the general pubic over which such airborne systems are flown.
Thus by this broad definition airworthiness is not just a "safe" aircraft it is also the correct mission equipment fit eg DAS, ESF etc and if the regulations are met should ensure that MOD has fulfilled its responsibilities for duty of care. As always though it gets woolly when you try to find a definition of "significant" - perhaps JSP 553 is more precise.
JB