U.K. Says It’s Buying 12 F-35A Stealth Jets That Can Carry Nuclear Weapons – The New York Times
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
United Kingdom to Buy F-35A Lightning for Tactical Nuclear Strike Role
The British government has announced it will purchase 12 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to contribute to NATO’s tactical nuclear forces. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is to make the announcement at the NATO summit started on Jun. 24, 2025, that the UK intends to purchase the dual capable aircraft. The decision will support 20,000 jobs in the UK, with 15% of the global supply chain for the jets based in the country. The 12 aircraft will carry with them the American B61 nuclear weapon, also carried by F- 35s and F-16s currently employed by the German, Dutch, Belgian, Italian and Turkish air forces, although final say on their deployment rests with the U.S. President. The RAF says the new fleet “significantly reduces life-cycle costs, meets operational requirements, and improves F-34 Force Generation for Carrier Strike operations” The government has also reaffirmed the UK”s intention to purchase 138 F-45 Lightnings over the course of their service life.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is to make the announcement at the NATO summit started on Jun. 24, 2025, that the UK intends to purchase the dual capable aircraft in a move the government has labelled the “Biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation”.
They will carry with them the American B61 nuclear weapon, also carried by F-35s and F-16s currently employed by the German, Dutch, Belgian, Italian and Turkish air forces, with all controlled by NATO’s nuclear planning group, although final say on their deployment rests with the U.S. President. In this instance, the deployment of British aircraft will require the Prime Minister’s approval as well, unlike the current submarine based strategic nuclear deterrent that answers only to the Prime Minister.
The UK has always supported @NATO’s nuclear mission, keeping people across the alliance safe. The UK will purchase 12 F-35A jets, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The decision will support 20,000 jobs in the UK, with 15% of the global supply chain for the jets based in 🇬🇧 — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 25, 2025
The 12 aircraft are to be based at RAF Marham alongside the UK’s current F-35B force, which will operate 47 aircraft once all deliveries are made, not including the fighter that was lost during the 2021 Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The UK was in negotiations for a further 27 F-35Bs, although nothing had been confirmed. In a press release, the Royal Air Force confirmed that the 12 F-35As will be part of this 27-aircraft order, together with 15 F-35Bs.
Additionally, it appears that the F-35As will be mainly used in a training role on 207 Squadron, the RAF’s Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) for the type, other than the nuclear strike role. The press release explains the reasons for this choice:
As the F-35A carries more fuel than the F-35B variant, it can stay airborne for longer, extending the available training time in each sortie for student pilots. As F-35As also require fewer maintenance hours, there will be increased aircraft availability on the OCU. These factors combined will improve pilot training and reduce the amount of time for pilots to reach the front-line squadrons.
The service also mentions that the new aircraft will support the stand-up of a third front line F-35 Lightning Squadron. With the F-35A complementing the F-35B, the RAF says the new fleet “significantly reduces life-cycle costs, meets operational requirements, and improves F-35 Force Generation for Carrier Strike operations.”
The government has also reaffirmed the UK’s intention to purchase 138 F-35 Lightnings over the course of their service life in the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. This had been in doubt for some time, however the uptick in funding may see all 138 aircraft fielded at some point. This also leaves room for more F-35B orders which the Royal Navy requires to completely fill out its carrier air wing without detracting from training squadrons.
BREAKING: Prime Minister says UK to reacquire tactical nuclear weapons capability. RAF to buy 12 F-35A jets for nuclear role. Sources say these jets could also perform the OCU role (pilot training), freeing up additional F-35Bs for frontline duties. Many complex issues yet… pic.twitter.com/e7Bf1VZkd9 — Navy Lookout (@NavyLookout) June 24, 2025
The announcement from the government highlights that the 12 aircraft were originally intended to be B variants, however this was changed with cost savings being highlighted alongside the importance of the nuclear strike role. Capability wise, the F-35A has an increased range owing to the lack of an additional lift fan for short take-off and landing (STOVL) necessary for carrier operations.
This means the RAF will be able to fight further and for longer with additional fuel tanks in their stead. These aircraft could also fulfil a suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) owing to the stealth features of the F-35 and the possible inclusion of SPEAR 3 and SPEAR EW on the aircraft.
Notably, the adoption of F-35A will require a refit to RAF Voyager tankers which are currently unable to refuel aircraft that require a refueling boom. Several commentators have suggested that the RAF is refueling US Air Force and Israeli Defense Force aircraft in the Middle East, however at the moment this is physically impossible as the RAF Voyager does not possess the capability.
Gaining the B61 and the F-35A will return to the RAF a capability that was lost in 1998 owing to the Peace Dividend following the end of the Cold War. The last weapon in RAF inventory was the WE.177 bomb which was similarly employed for NATO’s tactical strike missions.
The RAF had operated in the Nuclear strike role for 43 years, almost a third of the service’s lifetime, with this being the core role for the RAF following the end of the Second World War. As a result, the return of tactical nuclear weapons to RAF aircraft is a momentous moment for the service. However, it also represents a terrible shift in international politics that this procurement is necessary to strengthen the UK’s and NATO’s security posture.
UK to order 12 F-35A Aircraft to carry nuclear weapons as part of a NATO Nuclear Deterrent. F-35A can carry the B61 Mod 12 Nuclear Bomb which can be used both tactically and strategically. RAF Voyagers will require booms fitted to refuel F-35A while airborne. pic.twitter.com/oerFzmPvaF — UK Forces Tracker (@UKForcesTracker) June 24, 2025
On this issue the Prime Minister stated:
“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 commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the Alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.”
Additionally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said:
“The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A. This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO”.
Finally, Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the recent Strategic Defence review, which confirmed that the UK and its allies face new risk from nuclear weapons, recommending that the UK investigate further involvement with NATO’s deterrent system.
The Defence Review had stated:
“More F-35s will be required over the next decade. This could comprise a mix of F-35A and B models according to military requirements to provide greater value for money”
As well as this, “Defence should commence discussions with the United States and NATO on the potential benefits and feasibility of enhanced UK participation in NATO’s nuclear mission.”
The Prime Minister had recently pledged to meet the new NATO spending target of 5% of GDP on national security by 2035 with 3.5% of this being spent on core defense capability, including 12 new AUKUS submarines, new F-35s and possibly more Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft. The UK will confirm the new capabilities that are due to be procured later this year.
NATO’s Nuclear Sharing
As mentioned, American B61 nuclear weapons are currently operated by several European states, with their use being controlled by NATO and the US president. However, there has been some controversy following the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and his bellicose attitude towards European security. This had prompted fears that nuclear sharing would be removed from Europe amongst some member states, but this did not occur.
Polish President Andrzej Duda says Poland wants to host both French and U.S. nuclear weapons in Poland. 5 countries currently host U.S. nukes under NATO’s nuclear sharing program: 🇩🇪 Germany
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇮🇹 Italy
🇹🇷 Turkey pic.twitter.com/jLTBT5C5n9 — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 18, 2025
In March of this year, then Polish President Andrzej Duda proposed that the U.S. should share its nuclear weapons with Poland, another operator of the U.S.-made F-16 and F-35. Poland has expressed interest in joining the program for a few years, stemming from Russia’s initial invasion of Crimea in 2014. It is already a participant to the SNOWCAT (Support of Nuclear Operations With Conventional Air Tactics) program in which conventional fighter aircraft support the deployment of nuclear weapons, protecting bomber packages and participating in exercises such as Steadfast Noon.
Whilst the U.S. declined Poland’s proposals, France’s President Emmanuel Macron suggested that France’s deterrence force could be extended to cover Germany and Poland, as well as several other NATO states. France’s official nuclear doctrine includes the defense of Europe as a part of its core national interests that the nuclear deterrent is there to protect, so this is not an unlikely offer.
However, Britain’s pledge to buy F-35As and to operate B61 nuclear bombs shifts the narrative on the U.S. commitment to European nuclear deterrence reaffirming a U.S. role in the defense of Europe.
UK to buy F-35 stealth jets that can carry US nuclear warheads
Sir Keir Starmer told a summit of NATO allies in The Hague that the new squadron will join an alliance mission that can be armed with US nuclear weapons. The dramatic move will doubtless draw condemnation and concern from Russia and China. But it comes at a time of growing global insecurity – and as the prime minister and his European and Canadian counterparts scramble to convince Donald Trump they are serious about bolstering their ability to defend Europe. NATO allies have agreed to increase spending on defence and national resilience to a new target of 5% of GDP by 2035. As part of this push to rearm, Sir Keir will give the Royal Air Force the ability to carry airborne nuclear warheads for the first time since the 1990s. At the end of the Cold War, the UK gave up using dual-use aircraft that could carry nuclear bombs and decided instead to rely entirely on submarine-launched Trident missiles. While Britain will keep using Trident, this move is, in a way, a step back towards being a bit more flexible by having these aircraft available as well.
Sir Keir Starmer told a summit of NATO allies in The Hague that the new squadron will join an alliance mission that can be armed with US nuclear weapons.
The dramatic move will doubtless draw condemnation and concern from Russia and China.
But it comes at a time of growing global insecurity – and as the prime minister and his European and Canadian counterparts scramble to convince Donald Trump they are serious about bolstering their ability to defend Europe, instead of overly relying on the US.
The US president, a long-standing NATO sceptic, raised questions about whether he would uphold the alliance’s founding Article 5 principle – that an attack on one is an attack on all – before he even arrived in the Dutch city last night.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 ‘There’s numerous definitions of Article 5’
An urgent need to keep Mr Trump on side has prompted NATO allies to agree to increase spending on defence and national resilience to a new target of 5% of GDP by 2035.
As part of this push to rearm, Sir Keir will give the Royal Air Force the ability to carry airborne nuclear warheads for the first time since the 1990s.
“In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted,” he said.
“These F-35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our allies.
“The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 What is NATO’s 5% defence spending goal?
It was not immediately clear when the F-35 jets would be bought or how much they will cost, but the new squadron will be part of a NATO-led nuclear deterrence mission.
That is in contrast to the UK’s national nuclear deterrence, based on a fleet of four nuclear-armed submarines, though they too are used to defend the whole of the alliance.
UK’s move a reflection of where we are now in world politics Michael Clarke Military analyst At the end of the Cold War, the UK gave up using dual-use aircraft that could carry nuclear bombs and decided instead to rely entirely on submarine-launched Trident missiles. While Britain will keep using Trident, this move is, in a way, a step back towards being a bit more flexible by having these aircraft available as well. These jets can also do other things, but they are cleared for nuclear use and can carry US nuclear gravity bombs – providing the UK with a tactical nuclear system that it can share with allies. At present, seven other countries in Europe are able to use air-launched or air-delivered nuclear weapons, and we’d be joining that club as the eighth member. So it’s a step back into the situation the UK was in during the Cold War and takes the country back into the tactical nuclear business. It’s no fun but it is a reflection of where we are now in world politics.
Mark Rutte, the head of NATO, applauded the plan – saying: “The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A.
“This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO.”
Image: Sir Keir meets troops as he visits a marines training base in Rotterdam. Pic: AP
Aircraft operated by a small number of NATO countries, including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, are cleared to carry US-provided nuclear weapons in a war.
The RAF and the Royal Navy already operate F-35B jets that can fly off Britain’s two aircraft carriers, but they are not equipped to drop nuclear warheads.
The new planes will be the F-35A variant, operated by the air force, that take off from land but can fly further and be armed with nuclear or conventional weapons.
The government said they would all be based together at RAF Marham in Norfolk.
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The government has long planned to purchase a total of 138 F-35 aircraft, but has so far only acquired around three dozen – seven years since the first jets entered service.
The decision to purchase 12 of the A-variant does not mean extra aircraft.
It just means a diversification in the fleet – something the RAF has long been pushing for – though it’s a decision some in the Royal Navy have long pushed back against, believing it would reduce even further the number of the B-version that operate from their carriers.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Is the UK preparing for war?
The government described the plan to purchase nuclear-capable aircraft as the “biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation”.
Asked at the NATO summit what the F-35s will give us that we didn’t have before, Sir Keir Starmer said: “They give us a diversity of capability and a capability that we didn’t have before and that is really important.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said a major defence review published earlier in the month highlighted new nuclear risks.
“It recommended a new UK role in our collective defence and deterrence through a NATO-first approach,” he said.
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However, the public version of the Strategic Defence Review stopped short of making any specific recommendation.
It merely said “the UK must explore how to support the US and its NATO allies in strengthening extended deterrence across the Euro-Atlantic”.
Lord George Robertson, the lead author of the review, in fact signalled a lack of enthusiasm in such a move.
“Yes, we considered it,” he told MPs. “The fact that it’s not there indicates that we weren’t terribly enthusiastic about it. When I was defence secretary the last time round, I got rid of the free-fall bombs.”
Lord Robertson was defence secretary between 1997 and 1999.
Pressed by the Defence Select Committee earlier this month on whether the concept had been ruled out entirely, Lord Robertson added: “We said it should be the subject of further discussion. We didn’t rule it out.”
The F-35 aircraft is made by the US defence giant Lockheed Martin, but the British defence company BAE Systems is also a key contributor.
The order will support 20,000 jobs in the F-35 programme in the UK.
Britain to buy 12 nuclear-carrying F-35A warplanes worth £700,000,000
Sir Keir Starmer will tell a summit of Nato allies in The Hague that the new squadron will join an alliance mission that can be armed with US nuclear weapons. The jets, a variant of the F35Bs the UK already uses, can carry conventional weapons, but can also be equipped with nuclear bombs. Each F-35A plane costs around £60 million for the latest production lots, so a dozen could set the UK back an estimated £700 million. Downing Street Biggest hailed the purchase as the ‘biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation’ All eyes are now on Russia and China who will undoubtedly see this as an escalatory move. The decision represents a major victory for the Royal Air Force, which has long pushed for a return of its nuclear capabilities since the last British air-dropped nuclear weapon was withdrawn from service after the end of the Cold War. The delivery will be funded by £70 million raised from the interest on seized Russian assets.
Britain will buy a dozen F-35A warplanes – all capable of carrying nuclear weapons – from the US, following criticism from Donald Trump that Nato members are not spending enough on defence.
Today, Sir Keir Starmer will tell a summit of Nato allies in The Hague that the new squadron will join an alliance mission that can be armed with US nuclear weapons.
The prime minister is expected to say: ‘The UK’s commitment to Nato is unquestionable, as is the alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.
‘But we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.’
Downing Street Biggest hailed the purchase as the ‘biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation’.
All eyes are now on Russia and China who will undoubtedly see this as an escalatory move.
@metrouk Britain will buy a dozen F-35A warplanes, all capable of carrying nuclear weaponsm from the US, following criticism from Donald Trump that Nato members are not spending enough on defence. Sir Keir Starmer will tell a summit of Nato allies in The Hague that the new squadron will join an alliance mission that can be armed with US nuclear weapons. The prime minister is expected to say: ‘The UK’s commitment to Nato is unquestionable, as is the alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure. ‘But we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.’ #uknews #war #fighterplanes #nato ♬ War Drums – Audiosphere
The jets, a variant of the F35Bs the UK already uses, can carry conventional weapons, but can also be equipped with nuclear bombs.
Built by US manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the fifth-generation fighter jet isone of the most advanced on the planet – but it is also one of the priciest.
Each F-35A plane costs around £60 million for the latest production lots, so a dozen could set the UK back an estimated £700 million.
The full details of the deal with the US were not immediately clear, nor was the timeline for the delivery.
But the decision represents a major victory for the Royal Air Force, which has long pushed for a return of its nuclear capabilities since the last British air-dropped nuclear weapon was withdrawn from service after the end of the Cold War.
Since then, the UK’s nuclear deterrent has been carried exclusively by the Royal Navy’s submarines, which the government has also vowed to invest in renewing with four new vessels.
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Justin Bronk, senior research fellow for airpower and military technology at RUSI, said it will take time for the RAF ‘to get back in the nuclear game’.
He said the most obvious benefit for the UK buying F-35 As will be their longer range and the fact they can carry a wider range of conventional weapons.
Nato’s nuclear mission involves allied aircraft being equipped with US B61 bombs stockpiled in Europe.
Seven nations currently contribute to ‘dual capability aircraft’ to the nuclear mission, but the use of such weapons would require the authorisation of the alliance’s nuclear planning group as well as the US president and UK prime minister.
Alongside the nuclear announcement, the UK is set to provide 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine as Sir Keir and Defence Secretary John Healey push for Nato to provide Kyiv with further support.
The delivery will be funded by £70 million raised from the interest on seized Russian assets.
Sir Keir said: ‘Russia, not Ukraine, should pay the price for Putin’s barbaric and illegal war, so it is only right we use the proceeds from seized Russian assets to ensure Ukraine has the air defence it needs.’
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Britain to buy 12 stealth nuclear strike aircraft
The move represents the most significant change to Britain’s nuclear posture in a generation. It will reintroduce an air-delivered nuclear capability to the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War. The F-35A, a conventional take-off variant, is nuclear-capable and interoperable with US B61-12 gravity bombs. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the aircraft will be based at RAF Marham. The government says the order will sustain thousands of skilled jobs at more than 100 companies across the country. The announcement follows wider SDR commitments to invest in the UK’s nuclear infrastructure, including the construction of four new Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines and £15 billion for the sovereign warhead programme.
The move represents the most significant change to Britain’s nuclear posture in a generation and will reintroduce an air-delivered nuclear capability to the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War.
Speaking ahead of this week’s NATO summit, the Prime Minister said the decision would strengthen the UK’s deterrence posture, support over 20,000 jobs across the country, and deliver what he called a “defence dividend” for British industry.
“In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted,” said Starmer. “These F-35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies.”
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the aircraft will be based at RAF Marham and will supplement the UK’s existing fleet of F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) jets. The F-35A, a conventional take-off variant, is nuclear-capable and interoperable with US B61-12 gravity bombs, which form the core of NATO’s air-delivered nuclear capability.
The order is part of the UK’s longer-term plan to procure 138 F-35s overall. By opting for 12 F-35As rather than additional B variants in this tranche, the MoD says it will save up to 25% per aircraft.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the Strategic Defence Review recognised rising nuclear risks and recommended a stronger NATO-first approach to deterrence.
“This is an embodiment of NATO first,” he said, “strengthening the alliance while at the same time using defence as an engine for growth to create jobs across the UK.”
The move also marks the return of a nuclear strike role for the RAF, three decades after the UK retired its WE.177 bombs. Until now, the UK’s nuclear deterrent has rested solely on the submarine-based Trident system.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the UK’s decision:
“The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A. This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO.”
Much of the F-35 global supply chain is UK-based, with firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Martin Baker and Leonardo UK involved in the programme. The government says the order will sustain thousands of skilled jobs at more than 100 companies across the country.
The announcement follows wider SDR commitments to invest in the UK’s nuclear infrastructure, including the construction of four new Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines and £15 billion for the sovereign warhead programme.
While the UK remains committed to the long-term goal of global nuclear disarmament, ministers have described the F-35A acquisition as essential for maintaining credible deterrence in a deteriorating global security environment. The UK’s “triple-lock” on nuclear weapons policy—Parliament, government and legal safeguards—remains in place.
Further details, including timelines for integration into NATO’s DCA rotation and RAF squadron assignment, are expected at or after the NATO summit.