The full headline figure of 138 Joint Strike Fighters is treated as unlikely in this February 2021 assessment. The alternative estimate is about 80 to 96 aircraft over the fleet's life. That is linked to maintaining at least four squadrons of sixteen aircraft, with additional support needs. These figures express an expectation at the time.
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The 2021 estimate for Britain's eventual F-35 fleet
An expected total of 80 to 96 F-35s is connected to four operational squadrons and support requirements.