UK Nears Acquisition of 12 Nuclear-Capable F-35A Jets for NATO Role

The United Kingdom is significantly enhancing its military capabilities by acquiring 12 American-made F-35A conventional takeoff and landing stealth fighter jets, marking its return to an airborne nuclear deterrent role for the first time since 1998. These F-35As, capable of carrying the B61-12 tactical nuclear gravity bomb, will be based at RAF Marham and integrate the UK back into NATO's nuclear-sharing mission, complementing the country's existing Vanguard-class submarine deterrent. The purchase reflects a strategic response to growing global security challenges, including Russian aggression and Chinese assertiveness, as emphasized by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the move as necessary preparation rather than escalation. This decision involves a shift from purchasing the F-35B variant, which features short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, potentially impacting the UK's carrier strike group air wing sustainability. The program aligns with the UK’s broader defense strategy, which includes plans to expand sovereign nuclear warhead production, and represents the largest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation. This acquisition also highlights the UK's role as a Level 1 partner in the F-35 program and its continued investment in advanced stealth multirole fighters that provide integrated sensor capabilities and flexible mission profiles.