The British government announced on Tuesday (June 24) that it will purchase 12 F-35A stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin, an American aerospace company. These fighter jets are capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, marking the UK’s most significant upgrade to its nuclear deterrence system since the end of the Cold War.
The deployment of these F-35A fighters will restore the UK Royal Air Force’s ability to conduct airborne nuclear strikes. Downing Street stated that this move will enhance the UK’s strategic flexibility and further solidify its commitments to NATO.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “In this turbulent time, peace is no longer taken for granted, and this government is committed to national security.”
Currently, the UK’s only nuclear deterrent is the Trident submarine-launched missile system. However, the system experienced a launch failure in a recent test, marking the second test failure after a missile deviated off course in 2016. The introduction of the F-35A will provide the UK with a second nuclear retaliation capability and enhance its ability to conduct coordinated nuclear operations with allies such as the US and France.
The F-35A’s dual-capability allows it to perform conventional and tactical nuclear missions, meeting NATO’s requirements for a nuclear sharing platform and strengthening the alliance’s multi-layered deterrence framework. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed this move, describing it as “another solid contribution by the UK to NATO.”
According to records from the UK Parliament, since the retirement of the WE-177 free-fall nuclear bomb in 1998, the UK has lost its air-launched nuclear capability. In 2008, the US withdrew its remaining nuclear weapons stationed in the UK, symbolizing the end of the Cold War era.
UK officials revealed that the newly acquired F-35A is of the standard US military model with the potential to carry American B61 tactical nuclear bombs. If the UK were to deploy nuclear weapons in the future, it would still rely on US ammunition supply.
Furthermore, this arms procurement will stimulate domestic economic development. Downing Street stated that this deal is expected to create around 20,000 job opportunities in related industries. The UK government emphasized its commitment to “actively preparing for the possibility of domestic conflict,” marking the first public issuance of a similar warning in many years.
With Russia’s increasing aggression and the gradual reduction of the US security role in Europe, the UK is accelerating its defense modernization efforts, including submarine upgrades and expanding military investments. The UK government plans to increase defense and security spending to 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035 to meet NATO’s long-term goals.
(This article is based on relevant reports from Reuters)