June 25, 2025, 9:08 a.m. ET - In a strategic announcement correlating with this week’s NATO summit in The Hague, the United Kingdom revealed its decision to purchase 12 F-35A stealth fighter-bombers. This acquisition reinstates the Royal Air Force's capability to deploy nuclear weapons from the air, a significant shift since the end of the Cold War.
Once operational, these aircraft will be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear munitions, enhancing Britain’s military response options during crises. Presently, the U.K. relies solely on its Trident submarines to deliver nuclear capabilities, thereby lacking an aerial delivery option akin to that of France, which also maintains dual-capable aircraft.
Furthermore, the U.K. confirmed its participation in NATO’s airborne nuclear mission, aligning its aircraft with American B61 bombs stationed in Europe. The government emphasized that this development represents the first time the air force has reintroduced a nuclear delivery role since 1998.
Downing Street referred to this move as "the biggest strengthening of the U.K.'s nuclear posture in a generation," particularly crucial as NATO faces ongoing uncertainties regarding the U.S. commitment to European nuclear defense, especially in light of the Russian threat.
This decision positions the U.K. among several NATO members, including Germany and Italy, that operate dual-capable aircraft equipped to handle American nuclear warheads. While the British military currently deploys F-35B jets from aircraft carriers, these are not configured for nuclear armament.
Once operational, these aircraft will be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear munitions, enhancing Britain’s military response options during crises. Presently, the U.K. relies solely on its Trident submarines to deliver nuclear capabilities, thereby lacking an aerial delivery option akin to that of France, which also maintains dual-capable aircraft.
Furthermore, the U.K. confirmed its participation in NATO’s airborne nuclear mission, aligning its aircraft with American B61 bombs stationed in Europe. The government emphasized that this development represents the first time the air force has reintroduced a nuclear delivery role since 1998.
Downing Street referred to this move as "the biggest strengthening of the U.K.'s nuclear posture in a generation," particularly crucial as NATO faces ongoing uncertainties regarding the U.S. commitment to European nuclear defense, especially in light of the Russian threat.
This decision positions the U.K. among several NATO members, including Germany and Italy, that operate dual-capable aircraft equipped to handle American nuclear warheads. While the British military currently deploys F-35B jets from aircraft carriers, these are not configured for nuclear armament.
