Britain to Purchase Nuclear-Capable Fighter Jets

The UK will purchase a dozen fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons. In a statement released Tuesday (June 24), the British government said this move marks the most significant step toward expanding its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The news was reported by the British news agency Reuters.According to the statement, the Lockheed Martin-manufactured F-35A aircraft are capable of carrying tactical weapons. With the addition of these jets to its fleet, the UK will, for the first time since the Cold War, regain the ability to deploy tactical nuclear weapons.Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “In this era of extreme instability, we cannot afford to be complacent about maintaining peace. That is why our government is increasing spending on national security.”In light of Russia’s growing aggression and the United States’ reduced role in European security, the UK is boosting its defense expenditures. As part of this initiative, the modernization of its submarine fleet is also underway.The government added that the nuclear-armed jets could be incorporated into NATO forces and used in times of conflict.The UK lost its nuclear-carrying aerial capability after retiring the WE-117 free-fall bomb in 1998. With these new jets, the UK regains that ability.The new aircraft will be able to carry U.S. tactical nuclear bombs, specifically the B61 model. However, a government official stated that the UK would need to acquire the weapons directly from the United States in order to use them.In 2008, citing the goal of reducing global war risks, the U.S. withdrew its last deployed nuclear weapons from the UK. However, recent geopolitical tensions—particularly following the war in Ukraine—have compelled Western nations to reinforce their nuclear preparedness.Tactical nukes are primarily designed for battlefield use and are distinct from strategic or long-range weapons. Through this decision, the UK aims to diversify its defense strategy and align more closely with NATO allies like France and the U.S.