The United Kingdom plans to purchase at least a dozen F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, marking a significant shift in its nuclear strategy. This move will enable the UK’s air force to carry nuclear weapons for the first time since the end of the Cold War. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office describes this as the “biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation”.
According to Starmer, “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security.” He emphasized that the F-35 dual-capable aircraft will “herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies”.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement, describing it as “yet another robust British contribution to NATO”. The F-35A, produced by Lockheed Martin, is similar to the F-35B currently used by the UK air force but can carry nuclear bombs in addition to conventional weapons. Seven NATO members already have dual-capable planes on European territory capable of carrying US B61 nuclear warheads.
The UK’s nuclear deterrence capability is currently limited to submarine-launched missiles. The new jets will be based at the Marham airbase, and the acquisition is expected to support 20,000 jobs in the UK. The UK has committed to meeting the NATO spending target of 5 percent of GDP on national security by 2035, with 3.5 percent spent on core defense capability.
This move reflects a broader trend of re-nuclearization in Europe and NATO’s renewed focus on deterrence in response to the threat from Russia. Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the recent Strategic Defence Review, which confirmed that the UK and its allies face new risks from nuclear weapons, recommending further involvement with NATO’s deterrent system.
Key Details of the Purchase
- Number of Jets: 12 F-35A fighter jets
- Capability: Dual-capable aircraft that can carry nuclear and conventional weapons
- Location: Based at RAF Marham
- Jobs Supported: 20,000 jobs in the UK
- Global Supply Chain: 15% of the global supply chain for the jets is based in the UK
- NATO’s Nuclear Sharing: The UK will deploy the jets as part of NATO’s nuclear dual-capable aircraft mission, strengthening the alliance’s nuclear deterrence posture.