UK to buy F-35 jets to carry nuclear warheads
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday 25 June that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets, which are capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons.
Through this purchase, the UK joins NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission, which is a critical part of the alliance’s nuclear deterrence programme.
At least 15% of the global supply chain for the F-35A jets will be based in Britain, which the government said will support 20,000 jobs and deliver a defence dividend across the country.
The new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham, and the government said it is expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the programme. It added that the procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B as part of the next procurement package will save the taxpayer up to 25% per aircraft.
This purchase marks the first time the Royal Air Force will play a nuclear role in defence since the UK retired its air-launched nuclear weapons after the end of the Cold War.
“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, ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the Alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the UK’s announcement that it would procure the jets and join the alliance’s nuclear mission.
“The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A,” he said.
Britain must prepare as risk of conflict grows
The UK’s procurement of F-35A jets comes as it publishes its National Strategy document, which argues that Britain must prepare for the risk of conflict that threatens its home soil.
In the document, the government argues that the country needs to be made ready to combat international threats and to be ready to join conflicts abroad if necessary.
“We are in an era in which we face confrontation with those who are threatening our security,” the document states.
“The most obvious and pressing example of this is Russia in its illegal war against a European neighbour. Ukrainians are paying the ultimate price as they find themselves at the frontline of this confrontation.”
The document notes further that warfare between major powers, an international security crisis, or a situation with multiple contingencies across different regions is an active possibility.
