The United Kingdom is set to purchase at least 12 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, marking the most significant upgrade to Britain’s nuclear posture in a generation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision at the NATO summit in The Hague, responding to a growing nuclear threat and signaling the return of air-launched nuclear capability for the Royal Air Force, which the UK has not maintained since 1998.
Built by US defense company Lockheed Martin, the F-35As can carry both conventional weapons and American B61 nuclear bombs. These bombs will be stored on British soil, most likely at RAF Marham, though the Ministry of Defence has not officially confirmed the storage location. The bombs will remain under American ownership, and any use would require joint authorization from both the US president and the British prime minister, reflecting the shared control inherent in NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements.
Currently, the UK’s nuclear deterrent relies solely on submarine-launched Trident missiles, controlled entirely by the UK. The addition of the F-35As offers the Royal Air Force a more flexible and tactical nuclear option and formally integrates Britain into NATO’s airborne nuclear mission alongside countries such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The government emphasizes that the UK retains full sovereignty over its nuclear decisions and will independently determine its participation in NATO nuclear missions. However, the practical requirement for joint US-UK approval over the use of nuclear weapons underscores the collaborative nature of this arrangement.
The deal is expected to support 20,000 jobs and benefit over 100 British companies involved in the F-35 supply chain. It is part of a broader plan to increase national security spending to five percent of GDP by 2035, including investments in submarines, munitions factories, and early warning aircraft. Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted that the jets will strengthen NATO’s collective deterrence, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the move as a robust contribution to the alliance.
The RAF will use the F-35As not only for nuclear missions but also to enhance pilot training efficiency. The aircraft will join 207 Squadron, the operational conversion unit, with their longer range and reduced maintenance needs expected to speed up training and improve availability. This purchase also supports the establishment of a third frontline squadron and aligns with the UK’s long-term objective to field up to 138 F-35 jets.
Financially, each jet is estimated to cost between £75 and £80 million, potentially totaling over £900 million before accounting for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. Critics argue that this move signals a departure from nuclear disarmament, especially following the UK’s 40 percent increase in its warhead cap in 2021. Government officials maintain that the purchase responds to an increasingly uncertain global security environment, asserting that peace can no longer be assumed.
Sources: Reuters, BBC News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, The Aviationist, US Air Force Fact Sheet