Wed Jun 25 07:51:54 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**UK to Bolster Nuclear Capabilities with Purchase of F-35A Fighter Jets**
**London, UK** – In a move Downing Street is calling the “biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” the United Kingdom plans to acquire at least a dozen F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce the purchase at the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday, where a major boost in defense spending is anticipated among member nations.
This acquisition marks the first time since the end of the Cold War that the UK’s air force will possess the capability to deploy nuclear weapons, currently limited to submarine-launched missiles.
“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,” stated Prime Minister Starmer. “These F35 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 lauded the announcement as “yet another robust British contribution to NATO.”
The F-35A, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is similar to the existing F-35B used by the UK but has the added capability to carry nuclear bombs alongside conventional weapons. The UK will likely carry the same US B61 nuclear warheads. Seven other NATO members, including the US, Germany, and Italy, already possess dual-capable aircraft stationed in Europe.
Downing Street confirmed the new jets will be deployed as part of NATO’s nuclear dual-capable aircraft mission, enhancing the alliance’s overall nuclear deterrence. The aircraft will be based at Marham airbase, and the procurement is expected to support approximately 20,000 jobs within the UK, where 15% of the global supply chain for the jets is based.
The announcement comes as NATO’s 32 members are expected to approve a significant increase in defense spending targets, from 2% to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP), at the Hague summit. This investment in defense comes after criticism from the Trump administration, which argued that the US shoulders too much of the financial burden within the alliance and has questioned the US commitment to defend nations not meeting spending targets. Russia’s increasing threat to Europe has prompted other countries to invest in military spending with Germany’s Friedrich Merz announcing that the country would become Europe’s strongest conventional army.
First Piper 