The UK government has confirmed plans to acquire 12 new F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, marking a major expansion of Britain’s defence capabilities. The move will also see the UK rejoin NATO’s shared airborne nuclear mission, a step not taken since the retirement of its previous tactical nuclear arsenal in 1998.
The decision is expected to be formally announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the NATO summit taking place in the Netherlands this week. The government has described the purchase as “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation.”
The F-35A jets, made by the US, have the capacity to be equipped with American B61 nuclear bombs, which are already stockpiled at bases across Europe under NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement. These aircraft are also fully capable of carrying a wide range of conventional weapons, making them versatile for both nuclear and non-nuclear missions.
The UK currently operates the F-35B variant, designed for short take-off and vertical landing to enable operations from aircraft carriers like HMS Queen Elizabeth. However, the newly acquired F-35A model offers greater range and a larger payload, which strengthens Britain’s land-based air strike capabilities.
The aircraft will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk and are expected to be integrated into NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework. This arrangement includes contributions from countries such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, with the US maintaining control over the nuclear weapons involved.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the new jets will not only enhance NATO’s collective defence but also support the UK economy. The programme is set to support around 20,000 jobs and over 100 companies within the domestic supply chain.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Healey said, “This investment strengthens the NATO nuclear posture and ensures we are prepared for emerging threats in an increasingly unstable global environment.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the UK’s decision, calling it a “robust contribution” to the alliance’s deterrence efforts.
Military analysts note that while the US retains control over the use of the nuclear bombs, their deployment would require joint authorisation from the US President, the UK Prime Minister, and NATO’s nuclear planning group.
The UK’s current nuclear deterrent is based solely at sea, through its fleet of Vanguard-class submarines armed with Trident ballistic missiles. While the Trident missiles are manufactured and maintained in the US, the warheads are made in the UK, ensuring Britain maintains what it calls an “independent deterrent.”
With global tensions rising and other nuclear-armed states modernising their arsenals, the UK has identified an increased need to adapt its own defence posture. A new national security strategy published earlier this week urged greater preparation for potential threats to the UK homeland.
Prime Minister Starmer has pledged to meet a new NATO target of spending 5% of the UK’s GDP on national security by 2035, with a significant portion dedicated to core defence needs.
The acquisition of these jets signals a return to airborne nuclear readiness and a deepened commitment to NATO’s collective security mission.
