UK Restores Nuclear Jets, Will Store US Bombs

The UK government has announced the purchase of 12 American-made F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying U.S. B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs, with the aircraft set to be based at RAF Marham. This marks the first time since 1998 that the Royal Air Force will regain an air-launched nuclear capability and the first U.S. nuclear weapons stored in the UK since 2008. The move, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of the NATO summit, is part of the UK's updated National Security Strategy, which urges the public to 'actively prepare' for potential conflict and reflects heightened concerns over Russian threats and global instability. The decision brings the UK in line with NATO's nuclear sharing practices and ends decades of sole reliance on submarine-launched Trident missiles. NATO officials have welcomed the move as a boost to European deterrence, though arms control advocates warn it could escalate tensions and contribute to the re-nuclearisation of Europe. The new posture is intended to strengthen both national and alliance security amid an evolving threat landscape.