Britain Reboots Nuclear Air Power with US Fighter Deal
What Happened
The UK has announced a significant expansion of its nuclear deterrent by purchasing 12 US-made F‑35A fighter jets capable of delivering B61‑12 tactical nuclear bombs, a shift making it the first British planes since the Cold War to carry nuclear weapons.
What
Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the NATO summit, the jets will be based at RAF Marham and form part of NATO’s Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA) programme. This marks the most notable change in Britain’s nuclear posture since retiring the WE‑177 bombs in 1998.
Why
The move responds to growing threats from Russia, China, and global instability, and aims to boost defence industry jobs, supporting 20,000 jobs and partnering with over 100 suppliers.
What Next
The UK will now integrate these jets into NATO’s nuclear sharing framework. The B61‑12 bombs – with yield options up to 50 kilotons – will be stored on British soil under US control, preserving Non-Proliferation Treaty compliance.
Reaction
This expands the UK’s penal deterrent beyond its submarine-based Trident fleet, adding a “substrategic” option aimed at deterring Russian aggression. Critics highlight the high cost and nuclear escalation risks, but NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has welcomed it.
When
Defence Minister Healey says additional spending, up to 5% of GDP by 2035, will support ongoing upgrades to warheads, factories, and cyber defences.
