The United Kingdom will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission, an act Downing Street describes as a major boost for national security and the “biggest strengthening” of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation.
The prime minister is set to announce at the NATO summit on Wednesday that the UK intends to buy at least a dozen of the aircraft, which are capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons.
According to the government, the decision will support 20,000 jobs in the F-35 programme in the UK, where 15 per cent of the global supply chain for the jets is based, delivering a “defence dividend” across the country.
The new jets will be based at RAF Marham, with the government expected to procure 138 F-35s over the lifetime of the programme.
The purchase reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons after the Cold War. The jets will be deployed as part of NATO’s nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission to strengthen the alliance’s nuclear deterrence posture.
Prime minister Keir 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.”
He added: “Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, 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.”
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The announcement follows the recommendations from the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which concluded that the UK is confronting a new era of threat, including “rising nuclear risks”.
Defence secretary John Healey said: “The Strategic Defence Review confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals. And it recommended a new UK role in our collective defence and deterrence through a NATO-first approach.
“This commitment is an embodiment of NATO first, strengthening the alliance while at the same time using defence as an engine for growth to create jobs across in the UK.”
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.”
Downing Street described the government’s commitment to Britain’s nuclear deterrent as “absolute”, and underpinned by a “triple-lock”: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, maintaining a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent and delivering all future upgrades.
The government, Downing Street added, remains committed to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons and upholds all its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Josh Self is editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here and X here.
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