RAF Marham, UK – June 25, 2025 – In a landmark defence shift, the British government has announced plans to purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying US-made nuclear bombs, marking the most significant transformation of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation.
The move will align the UK with NATO’s airborne nuclear mission and strengthen the country’s deterrence capabilities amid growing global threats. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to formally unveil the plan at this week’s NATO summit in the Netherlands.
The decision represents a bold step toward deeper integration with NATO’s shared nuclear strategy and a broader commitment to ensuring national security in what Sir Keir described as “an era of radical uncertainty.”
“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,” the Prime Minister said ahead of the summit. “This move supports 100 businesses and sustains 20,000 jobs, ushering in a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force.”
A Strategic Leap for the RAF
The acquisition of the F-35A variant is being hailed as a victory for the Royal Air Force, which has long argued for the need to expand beyond its current fleet of F-35Bs.
The F-35B, with its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, is well suited for aircraft carrier operations but has limitations in range and payload capacity.
The F-35A, in contrast, offers longer operational range and the ability to carry a broader range of both conventional and nuclear weapons.
This makes it ideal for NATO’s nuclear-sharing mission, where dual-capable aircraft can be outfitted with American B61 gravity bombs – a key component of the alliance’s deterrence posture.
The jets will be stationed at RAF Marham in Norfolk, already home to the UK’s existing fleet of F-35Bs, further cementing the base’s status as a central hub for Britain’s air combat capabilities.
Rejoining NATO’s Nuclear Fold
The UK’s involvement in NATO’s airborne nuclear mission marks a return to a role it last played in 1998, when RAF jets were capable of delivering the UK-made WE177 tactical nuclear bombs.
Their retirement ended the RAF’s nuclear delivery capability, leaving the UK reliant solely on submarine-based Trident ballistic missiles launched from Vanguard-class submarines.
The reintroduction of a tactical airborne nuclear capability adds another layer to Britain’s deterrence strategy. It also brings the UK in line with seven other NATO nations – including Germany, Italy, and the United States – that already operate dual-capable aircraft under NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed the decision, calling it “yet another robust British contribution to NATO.” He added that the move enhances NATO’s collective deterrence in light of growing geopolitical instability.
A Move with Complex Implications
While the UK’s F-35As will be equipped to carry nuclear bombs, the authority to use such weapons remains tightly controlled.
The release of US B61 bombs would require dual authorisation from both the US President and the British Prime Minister, following consultation with NATO’s nuclear planning group.
This layered chain of command reinforces the alliance’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship. However, this reliance on US-manufactured bombs and delivery protocols introduces political and strategic complexities.
Justin Bronk, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), noted: “While the capability significantly enhances the RAF’s role, the fact remains that control of the weapons lies ultimately with the United States. That may prove contentious in terms of sovereign independence.”
Bronk added that it will take time and resources for the RAF to rebuild its tactical nuclear proficiency. “The RAF has been out of the nuclear game for over two decades,” he said. “Training, certification, and operational integration into NATO’s nuclear command structure will take time.”
National Security and Economic Impact
The new jets will be integrated into the UK’s wider national security framework, with government officials emphasising the importance of readiness in the face of emerging threats.
On Tuesday, the UK government published its updated national security strategy, warning of the possibility that the British homeland could face direct threats, potentially in a wartime context.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the move is in line with the findings of the latest Strategic Defence Review. “We face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals,” Healey stated.
“This investment in dual-capable aircraft ensures we are not only keeping pace, but actively reinforcing our deterrent posture.”
Economically, the move is being framed as a boon for British industry. According to Downing Street, the programme will involve 100 companies and support 20,000 jobs across the UK, including in aerospace, engineering, logistics, and technology sectors.
A Step Toward Greater NATO Spending
Sir Keir Starmer’s government has also pledged to meet NATO’s new defence spending target of allocating 5% of national GDP to national security by 2035.
Under the plan, 3.5% will be devoted to core defence spending, with the remainder covering defence-related initiatives, including cyber defence, counterterrorism, and nuclear infrastructure.
At the NATO summit, all 32 member states are expected to endorse the new spending goal, signalling a collective shift toward robust military preparedness.
Strategic Autonomy Still in Focus
Despite the renewed reliance on US-manufactured nuclear bombs and aircraft components, British officials insist that the country’s strategic autonomy remains intact.
The UK’s primary nuclear deterrent – the Trident missile system – continues to operate independently, with British-made warheads maintained on submarines operating under continuous at-sea deterrence.
Nonetheless, the addition of the F-35A to Britain’s arsenal represents a deliberate recalibration. It reflects a willingness to adapt to the evolving threats posed by nations such as Russia and China, whose nuclear modernization efforts are increasingly concerning to Western governments.
Conclusion
The UK’s purchase of 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets signals a significant recalibration of its defence and nuclear strategy.
It restores a dormant airborne nuclear delivery capability, aligns the RAF more closely with NATO’s strategic framework, and underscores the UK’s commitment to defending itself and its allies in an increasingly volatile world.
While the move is likely to spark debate over sovereignty, cost, and geopolitical implications, it is undeniably a historic moment for British defence policy – and one that marks a new chapter in the Royal Air Force’s role on the global stage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
