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The Royal Air Force (RAF) has ruled out the possibility of allowing reservist pilots to operate F-35 fighter jets. Defence Minister Louise Sandher-Jones stated that the RAF assessed the model's potential but found it unsuitable for the UK.

The primary concerns relate to the extensive time and costs required for training and maintaining operational proficiency, which are similar to those of full-time pilots. Additionally, the current development stage of the UK's F-35 capabilities was a factor in the decision. The UK operates the F-35B Lightning within a joint RAF and Royal Navy force.