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<p>Assessments of trends in the number of aircraft in the RAF fleet is undertaken
in the annual National Statistics publication: UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations.</p><p>The
Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 invested in the Royal Air Force to deliver
Joint Force 2025. The RAF will grow in size and capability with a larger and more
capable frontline, delivering the technology required for the Next Generation Air
Force.</p><p>F-35 Lightning is now operational, and the Typhoon force has already
grown by one squadron, with a further to stand up this year. A broad range of new
training aircraft, more aligned to the operational fleet, have also been delivered
for the Military Flying Training System. The first P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft
will shortly undertake its first flight. We have also committed to purchase Wedgetail
Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and Protector Remotely Piloted Air Systems.
The addition of A400M Atlas, concurrent to the drawdown of the C130J Hercules, has
also provided increasing lift capacity, working alongside our C17 strategic transport
fleet.</p>
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