Britain Bolsters Nuclear Might: F-35 Jets Join NATO Airborne Mission
Britain Bolsters Nuclear Might: F-35 Jets Join NATO Airborne Mission
In a landmark announcement poised to significantly reshape its defense capabilities, the United Kingdom has committed to purchasing 12 US-made F-35 fighter jets, capable of carrying nuclear armaments. Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed the strategic acquisition on Wednesday while attending a crucial NATO summit in the Netherlands, signaling a major expansion of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
The government has hailed this move as “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation.” This decision will see Britain integrate these advanced stealth aircraft into NATO’s shared airborne nuclear mission, marking a profound shift in its defense strategy.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warmly welcomed the announcement, praising it as “yet another robust British contribution to NATO.” The acquisition underscores a renewed commitment to collective security and deterrence within the alliance.
Historically, the UK phased out its air-dropped atomic weapons in the 1990s following the end of the Cold War, relying primarily on its submarine-based missile arsenal for nuclear deterrence. The reintroduction of air-delivered nuclear capabilities via the F-35s represents a notable strategic pivot.
Currently, only three NATO members—the United States, Britain, and France—possess their own nuclear arsenals. However, seven other nations actively contribute to the alliance’s nuclear mission by fielding jets capable of carrying either conventional weaponry or American B61 bombs, which are strategically stockpiled across Europe. The UK’s F-35 purchase will significantly enhance its role in this critical aspect of NATO’s defense posture.
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