The United Kingdom plans to buy 12 F-35A fighter jets that can carry nuclear and conventional weapons. The news comes in the wake of the NATO summit, which is taking place in the Netherlands on June 24–25, 2025.
The UK will join NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission, which would provide a major boost to national security. The government said the move is “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, complementing the UK’s existing sea-borne deterrent.”
The UK’s Unshakable Commitment To NATO
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
The Strategic Defense Review, the latest review of the UK’s defense policy, has acknowledged that the United Kingdom is entering a new era of heightened threats, marked by a growing risk of nuclear confrontation. In response, the UK government announced plans to acquire additional F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear warheads, a move it says reaffirms Britain’s unwavering commitment to NATO.
The newly acquired F-35 fighter jets will be stationed at RAF Marham, as part of the UK’s long-term plan to purchase a total of 138 F-35s throughout the duration of the program. In a cost-saving shift, the next batch will include 12 F-35A models instead of the more expensive F-35B variant. This decision is expected to reduce costs by up to 25% per aircraft, offering significant savings for taxpayers.
At present, the country has approximately 36 F-35s in its fleet. Alongside the announcement of the F-35 order, the UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has committed to reaching NATO’s new goal of allocating 5% of the UK’s GDP to national security by the year of 2035. In a statement, Starmer said:
“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.”
The UK’s Current Nuclear Deterrent
Photo: US Air Force
Since 1969, the Royal Navy has maintained a continuous at-sea deterrent, with at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling undetected at all times. At present, the UK’s nuclear forces are entirely sea-based, consisting of four Vanguard-class submarines. The acquisition of dual-capable F-35 fighter jets marks a shift toward expanding the country’s nuclear capabilities beyond the maritime domain.
Indeed, Downing Street said that it “reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War.” The UK will deploy the new F-35As as part of NATO’s nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission. The dual-capability F-35 aircraft are central to NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission. It is worth noting that NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture also relies on the United States’ nuclear weapons forward-deployed in Europe, as well as on the infrastructure provided by NATO allies.
Seven countries, including the United States, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, already use the dual-capability fighter jets. According to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, the UK possesses approximately 225 nuclear weapons, of which 120 are operational and only 40 are deployed at a time.
Related
F-35 Sales To The Middle East: What Will The New Trump Administration Decide?
Morocco could become the first Arab country to receive the F-35 with potential for more Arab states under Trump.
Supporting 20,000 Jobs Through The F-35 Program
Photo: Josh Banks | Shutterstock
In addition to strengthening its air defense capabilities, the F-35 order is expected to support highly skilled jobs across the UK. Since the first delivery of the F-35 fighter jet in 2012, the program has supported more than 20,000 jobs in the country. According to the statement, more than 100 UK-based firms supply the F-35 fighter jet program.
UK-based aerospace companies such as BAE Systems, Cobham, GE Aviation (UK), Honeywell UK, Martin Baker, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo UK, Ultra Electronics, and EDM Limited all supply stealth fighter jets. For example, Rolls-Royce supplies the LiftSystem for the F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the F-35 fighter jet.
