The British authorities has introduced it is going to buy 12 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to contribute to NATO’s tactical nuclear forces.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is to make the announcement on the NATO summit began on Jun. 24, 2025, that the UK intends to buy the twin succesful plane in a transfer the federal government has labelled the “Greatest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a technology”.
They are going to carry with them the American B61 nuclear weapon, additionally carried by F-35s and F-16s at the moment employed by the German, Dutch, Belgian, Italian and Turkish air forces, with all managed by NATO’s nuclear planning group, though ultimate say on their deployment rests with the U.S. President. On this occasion, the deployment of British plane would require the Prime Minister’s approval as properly, not like the present submarine primarily based strategic nuclear deterrent that solutions solely to the Prime Minister.
The UK has at all times supported @NATO’s nuclear mission, retaining individuals throughout the alliance secure.
The UK will buy 12 F-35A jets, able to carrying nuclear weapons. The choice will help 20,000 jobs within the UK, with 15% of the worldwide provide chain for the jets primarily based in 🇬🇧
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 25, 2025
The 12 plane are to be primarily based at RAF Marham alongside the UK’s present F-35B pressure, which can function 47 plane as soon as all deliveries are made, not together with the fighter that was misplaced in the course of the 2021 Provider Strike Group (CSG). The UK was in negotiations for an additional 27 F-35Bs, though nothing had been confirmed. In a press launch, the Royal Air Drive confirmed that the 12 F-35As can be a part of this 27-aircraft order, along with 15 F-35Bs.
Moreover, it seems that the F-35As can be primarily utilized in a coaching position on 207 Squadron, the RAF’s Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) for the sort, aside from the nuclear strike position. The press launch explains the explanations for this selection:
Because the F-35A carries extra gasoline than the F-35B variant, it could actually keep airborne for longer, extending the accessible coaching time in every sortie for pupil pilots. As F-35As additionally require fewer upkeep hours, there can be elevated plane availability on the OCU. These elements mixed will enhance pilot coaching and scale back the period of time for pilots to succeed in the front-line squadrons.
The service additionally mentions that the brand new plane will help the stand-up of a 3rd entrance line F-35 Lightning Squadron. With the F-35A complementing the F-35B, the RAF says the brand new fleet “considerably reduces life-cycle prices, meets operational necessities, and improves F-35 Drive Technology for Provider Strike operations.”
The federal government has additionally reaffirmed the UK’s intention to buy 138 F-35 Lightnings over the course of their service life within the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. This had been doubtful for a while, nevertheless the uptick in funding may even see all 138 plane fielded sooner or later. This additionally leaves room for extra F-35B orders which the Royal Navy requires to fully fill out its service air wing with out detracting from coaching squadrons.
BREAKING:
Prime Minister says UK to reacquire tactical nuclear weapons functionality.
RAF to purchase 12 F-35A jets for nuclear position.
Sources say these jets might additionally carry out the OCU position (pilot coaching), releasing up extra F-35Bs for frontline duties.
Many advanced points but… pic.twitter.com/e7Bf1VZkd9
— Navy Lookout (@NavyLookout) June 24, 2025
The announcement from the federal government highlights that the 12 plane had been initially supposed to be B variants, nevertheless this was modified with price financial savings being highlighted alongside the significance of the nuclear strike position. Functionality smart, the F-35A has an elevated vary owing to the shortage of a further elevate fan for brief take-off and touchdown (STOVL) obligatory for service operations.
This implies the RAF will have the ability to combat additional and for longer with extra gasoline tanks of their stead. These plane might additionally fulfil a suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) owing to the stealth options of the F-35 and the doable inclusion of SPEAR 3 and SPEAR EW on the plane.
Notably, the adoption of F-35A would require a refit to RAF Voyager tankers that are at the moment unable to refuel plane that require a refueling increase. A number of commentators have instructed that the RAF is refueling US Air Drive and Israeli Protection Drive plane within the Center East, nevertheless in the intervening time that is bodily inconceivable because the RAF Voyager doesn’t possess the potential.
Gaining the B61 and the F-35A will return to the RAF a functionality that was misplaced in 1998 owing to the Peace Dividend following the tip of the Chilly Conflict. The final weapon in RAF stock was the WE.177 bomb which was equally employed for NATO’s tactical strike missions.
The RAF had operated within the Nuclear strike position for 43 years, virtually a 3rd of the service’s lifetime, with this being the core position for the RAF following the tip of the Second World Conflict. Because of this, the return of tactical nuclear weapons to RAF plane is a momentous second for the service. Nevertheless, it additionally represents a horrible shift in worldwide politics that this procurement is critical to strengthen the UK’s and NATO’s safety posture.
UK to order 12 F-35A Plane to hold nuclear weapons as a part of a NATO Nuclear Deterrent.
F-35A can carry the B61 Mod 12 Nuclear Bomb which can be utilized each tactically and strategically.
RAF Voyagers would require booms fitted to refuel F-35A whereas airborne. pic.twitter.com/oerFzmPvaF
— UK Forces Tracker (@UKForcesTracker) June 24, 2025
On this situation the Prime Minister acknowledged:
“In an period of radical uncertainty we will now not take peace with no consideration, which is why my authorities is investing in our nationwide safety, guaranteeing our Armed Forces have the tools they want and communities up and down the nation reap the advantages from our defence dividend.
The UK’s dedication to NATO is unquestionable, as is the Alliance’s contribution to retaining the UK secure and safe, however we should all step as much as shield the Euro-Atlantic space for generations to come back.”
Moreover, NATO Secretary Basic Mark Rutte stated:
“The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for a lot of a long time, and I strongly welcome in the present day’s announcement that the UK will now additionally be part of NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A. That is one more strong British contribution to NATO”.
Lastly, Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the latest Strategic Defence assessment, which confirmed that the UK and its allies face new danger from nuclear weapons, recommending that the UK examine additional involvement with NATO’s deterrent system.
The Defence Evaluation had acknowledged:
“Extra F-35s can be required over the following decade. This might comprise a mixture of F-35A and B fashions based on navy necessities to supply higher worth for cash”
In addition to this, “Defence ought to start discussions with the USA and NATO on the potential advantages and feasibility of enhanced UK participation in NATO’s nuclear mission.”
The Prime Minister had lately pledged to fulfill the brand new NATO spending goal of 5% of GDP on nationwide safety by 2035 with 3.5% of this being spent on core protection functionality, together with 12 new AUKUS submarines, new F-35s and probably extra Airborne Early Warning and Management Plane. The UK will affirm the brand new capabilities which are as a result of be procured later this yr.
NATO’s Nuclear Sharing
As talked about, American B61 nuclear weapons are at the moment operated by a number of European states, with their use being managed by NATO and the US president. Nevertheless, there was some controversy following the election of Donald Trump within the U.S. and his bellicose angle in the direction of European safety. This had prompted fears that nuclear sharing can be faraway from Europe amongst some member states, however this didn’t happen.
Polish President Andrzej Duda says Poland desires to host each French and U.S. nuclear weapons in Poland.
5 nations at the moment host U.S. nukes below NATO’s nuclear sharing program:
🇩🇪 Germany🇳🇱 Netherlands🇧🇪 Belgium🇮🇹 Italy🇹🇷 Turkey pic.twitter.com/jLTBT5C5n9
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 18, 2025
In March of this yr, then Polish President Andrzej Duda proposed that the U.S. ought to share its nuclear weapons with Poland, one other operator of the U.S.-made F-16 and F-35. Poland has expressed curiosity in becoming a member of this system for a number of years, stemming from Russia’s preliminary invasion of Crimea in 2014. It’s already a participant to the SNOWCAT (Assist of Nuclear Operations With Typical Air Techniques) program by which typical fighter plane help the deployment of nuclear weapons, defending bomber packages and collaborating in workout routines akin to Steadfast Midday.
While the U.S. declined Poland’s proposals, France’s President Emmanuel Macron instructed that France’s deterrence pressure may very well be prolonged to cowl Germany and Poland, in addition to a number of different NATO states. France’s official nuclear doctrine contains the protection of Europe as part of its core nationwide pursuits that the nuclear deterrent is there to guard, so this isn’t an unlikely provide.
Nevertheless, Britain’s pledge to purchase F-35As and to function B61 nuclear bombs shifts the narrative on the U.S. dedication to European nuclear deterrence reaffirming a U.S. position within the protection of Europe.
