The British government has announced its decision to purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets from the United States, which are capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. This move is described as the largest increase in the UK’s nuclear deterrence capability in a generation.
According to the statement, acquiring these Lockheed Martin aircraft could allow the Royal Air Force to deploy nuclear weapons for the first time since the Cold War, Reuters reports.
“In an age of radical uncertainty, we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement released Tuesday.
Enhancing NATO’s Dual-Capable Fleet
The British government stated that this acquisition will enable it to contribute to NATO’s “dual-capable aircraft” fleet, which is designed to carry nuclear weapons if conflict arises. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commented, “This is another strong British contribution to NATO.”
Currently, Britain’s nuclear deterrent relies solely on the submarine-launched Trident missile system, which reportedly failed during testing last year. Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for battlefield use, differentiating them from strategic weapons intended for long-range deployment.
