UK To Acquire Nuclear-Capable Jets, Joins NATO Deterrence Mission

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) LONDON, June 25 (KUNA) -- The United Kingdom announced on Wednesday its intention to procure 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, marking its formal integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) dual-capable aircraft (DCA) nuclear deterrence mission.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, it was confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed the decision during the NATO summit currently taking place in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The statement highlighted that the acquisition of these aircraft-capable of deploying both conventional and nuclear weapons, represents the most significant shift in the UK's nuclear posture in decades. It noted that the Royal Air Force would resume its airborne nuclear role for the first time since the retirement of such capabilities following the end of the Cold War.
The Ministry of Defense will deploy the new aircraft as part of NATO's DCA mission, thereby reinforcing the alliance's overall nuclear deterrence capability.
The statement added that the Ministry of Defense may consider increasing the number of F-35A aircraft in future procurement phases, in place of additional F-35B variants, of which the UK already possesses multiple squadrons. The total number of F-35 jets across both variants is expected to reach 138.
Commenting on the development, Prime Minister Starmer stated that the world is experiencing a period of profound uncertainty and that peace can no longer be taken for granted. He stressed the importance of investing in national security and equipping the armed forces with the tools necessary to respond to evolving threats.
He affirmed that the dual-capable fighter aircraft will usher in a new era for the Royal Air Force and serve as a critical deterrent against threats to the United Kingdom and its allies.
The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's unwavering commitment to NATO and its crucial role in safeguarding the country's security and stability. He called on all allies to intensify efforts to protect the Euro-Atlantic region for future generations.
Starmer added that the recent Strategic Defense Review, published last month, confirmed that the UK is entering a new era of threats, including an increase in nuclear risks. The review recommended strengthening the country's deterrence capabilities and deepening collaboration with NATO, leveraging the UK's role as a European nuclear power committed to the alliance's collective defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the UK's announcement, describing it as a reaffirmation of Britain's longstanding commitment to both nuclear and conventional deterrence within the alliance.
"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," Rutte said, according to the statement.
Meanwhile, UK Secretary of State for Defense John Healey said the new commitment exemplifies NATO's "allied-first" principle, enhancing collective defense while positioning national defense investments as drivers of economic growth.
Healey noted that the announcement follows the Ministry's recent pledges to deliver up to 12 new conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, and to allocate GBP 15 billion (USD 20 billion) over the next four years to support the UK's nuclear warhead program.
He reaffirmed the UK's enduring commitment to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons and confirmed that Britain continues to comply fully with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
These developments come one day after the UK government released its updated National Security Strategy, which emphasized the need for enhanced readiness in the event of direct attacks on the country in times of conflict.
In remarks related to the strategy, Prime Minister Starmer reiterated the necessity of increasing the UK's defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. (end)
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