In a significant move to enhance its national defense, the United Kingdom has confirmed the purchase of 12 F-35A fighter jets, a variant equipped to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads.
The announcement comes just days after the NATO summit in the Netherlands, signaling the UK’s intent to join the alliance’s Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA) program for nuclear deterrence.
This marks a pivotal moment for Britain’s defense strategy, as it reintroduces a nuclear air capability for the first time since the end of the Cold War. The aircraft will be stationed at RAF Marham and are part of a long-term procurement goal to acquire up to 148 F-35 jets.
Government officials described the moves as the most substantial to the UK’s nuclear posture in decades, enhancing the country’s strategic reach beyond its existing submarine based deterrent. The updated strategic defense review, released earlier this year, highlights growing global security threats and the need for broader deterrence strategies.
The newly ordered F-35A jets are expected to cost significantly less than the short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B variant, with estimated savings of up to 25% per unit. This cost-efficient approach aims to relive financial pressure while reinforcing defense capabilities.
As of now, the UK drives nearly 36 F-35s. Prime Minister Keir Satrmer also used the announcement to reaffirm his government’s commitment to NATO’s evolving defense goals, pledging to raise national security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. He stated that:
“Britain must remain prepared for an “era of radical uncertainly,” calling defense investment essential not only for protection but also for economic growth through the so-called “defense dividend”.”
Since 1969, the UK’s nuclear deterrent has relied solely on the Royal Navy’s fleet of vanguard-class submarines. The inclusion of nuclear-capable fighter jets marks a major shift in defense policy, integrating air-based assets into the UK’s strategic deterrent for the first time in over 50 years.
The F-35A jets will operate below NATO’s DCA structure, which supports the alliance’s mutual nuclear deterrence mission. In addition to the UK, seven other NATO members- among them the United States, Germany, Belgium, and Italy- use dual-capable aircraft as part of their contributions.
According to data from the center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, the UK possesses roughly 225 nuclear warheads, with around 120 in active service and 40 deployed at any given time.
Beyond its military role, the F-35 program remains to funding thousands of skilled jobs through the UK. Since its beginning in 2012, more than 20,000 positions have been tied to the program, with over 100 domestic companies contributing parts and technology. Major industry partners include BAE systems, Rolls Royce, Cobham, and MBDA, Leonardo UK. Notably, Rolls-Royce assemblies the aircraft are erect alighting capabilities.
The new F-35A purchase is seen as a strategic and economic investment, reinforcing both the nation’s defense readiness and its aerospace industry.
