India, Feb. 28 -- The UK is set to double the number of F-35 stealth fighters after ordering 17 more aircraft. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that 17 new F-35B aircraft will be delivered between 2020 and 2022 and will complement the 16 British aircraft currently based at RAF Marham and in the US, as well as two additional aircraft which are already on order. Overall, the UK has committed to procure 138 F-35s over life of the programme. The 17 new aircraft being ordered are part of a $6 billion contract for 255 aircraft being built for the global F-35 enterprise.
The announcement also affects the economy, as British companies are building approximately 15% by value of all 3,000-plus F-35s planned for production. It is project...