The UK should not agree to a US deal to buy the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter unless the US releases details allowing independent operation, MPs have warned.
The defence committee said an assurance was needed from the US "by the end of the year" that all the technical information would be given to the UK.
Earlier this year, the government expressed concerns about the deal.
'Plan B'
The US will account for the lion's share of the Lockheed Martin-designed plane, with 2,400 in service by 2027, while the UK is expected to take delivery of 138 fighters.
Britain's BAE Systems is one of the key players in the aircraft's development, and has pumped $2bn into the project.
It still remains unclear whether the US will agree to transfer the technology required to give the UK operational sovereignty of the aircraft.
The committee said if there is no deal by the end of the year, the government should focus on developing a "plan B" to acquire alternative aircraft.
The defence committee said an assurance was needed from the US "by the end of the year" that all the technical information would be given to the UK.
Earlier this year, the government expressed concerns about the deal.
'Plan B'
The US will account for the lion's share of the Lockheed Martin-designed plane, with 2,400 in service by 2027, while the UK is expected to take delivery of 138 fighters.
Britain's BAE Systems is one of the key players in the aircraft's development, and has pumped $2bn into the project.
It still remains unclear whether the US will agree to transfer the technology required to give the UK operational sovereignty of the aircraft.
The committee said if there is no deal by the end of the year, the government should focus on developing a "plan B" to acquire alternative aircraft.
Dassault?
Viggen?
MIG?
Don't think we have the engineering skills or the funds to go it alone anymore
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