Defence UK Announces F-35A Jet Shift

UK Buys Nuclear-Capable Jets, Signalling Major Defence Shift

The United Kingdom's government will purchase a minimum of twelve new American-made F-35A combat aircraft. This move restores the Royal Air Force's ability to carry atomic weapons, a capacity it has not held since the Cold War concluded. Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, revealed the decision during a Nato meeting in The Hague, framing it as a vital investment in national security. The acquisition represents the most significant enhancement of Britain's atomic stance in many years, according to Downing Street. These jets can deploy conventional arms but are specifically equipped to carry atomic bombs made in the US. The step is a reaction to what the government describes as a period of great unpredictability where peace cannot now be taken for granted.

A New Strategic Direction

The move to acquire the F-35A fleet marks a pivotal change in Britain's defence strategy. It heralds a new era for the Royal Air Force, equipping it to deter threats against the UK and its allies. Sir Keir Starmer's government presented the move as essential for national security in a world of growing instability. This procurement strengthens the collective deterrence of the Nato alliance by broadening its atomic capabilities. The announcement aligns with the findings of the recent defence and security review, which identified new and evolving atomic risks from other states. That review recommended a new role for Britain in collective defence with a "NATO-first" approach.

The F-35A Lightning II Advantage

The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of the advanced stealth fighter, designed for use from standard runways. This model differs significantly from the F-35B planes Britain currently operates. The 'A' variant boasts a greater internal fuel capacity, which extends its range beyond 1,200 nautical miles, considerably more than the F-35B's 900-mile reach. It can also carry a heavier weapons payload of up to 18,000 pounds and withstand higher G-forces during manoeuvres. These capabilities make it a more potent and versatile aircraft for a variety of combat missions. Opting for the F-35A also brings a significant cost saving of up to 25% per aircraft compared to the more specialised 'B' model.

A Victory for the Royal Air Force

This procurement is widely viewed as a major success for the Royal Air Force. The service has long advocated for a fighter with a more extensive operational distance and the ability to deploy a wider array of munitions. While the F-35B's STOVL capability is crucial for operating from the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers of the Royal Navy, the F-35A's features are better suited for land-based air power projection. The F-35A's superior flight distance and larger payload directly address the RAF's strategic desires for a more powerful and flexible combat aircraft. This move signals a renewed focus on the RAF's role in projecting power independently from the naval carrier strike groups.

Enhancing Pilot Training

The introduction of the F-35A will also bring tangible benefits to pilot training. The jets are slated for daily use with 207 Squadron, the joint RAF/Royal Navy Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at the Royal Air Force base in Marham. Because the F-35A carries more fuel than the F-35B, it allows for longer training sorties, maximising the time student pilots spend in the air. Additionally, the 'A' model requires fewer maintenance hours, which increases overall aircraft availability for the training squadron. These factors combined will streamline the training pipeline, reducing the time it takes for new pilots to become combat-ready and join front-line squadrons.

Joining Nato's Nuclear Sharing Mission

With this purchase, the United Kingdom formally joins the alliance's airborne atomic mission, also known as its dual-capable aircraft programme. This long-standing alliance arrangement involves non-nuclear member states hosting and operating aircraft capable of delivering American-owned atomic weapons. Several other Nato allies, including Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands, already participate in this nuclear-sharing framework. The UK's participation deepens its contribution to the alliance's burden-sharing responsibilities and reinforces its commitment to collective defence. These new F-35A squadron will integrate into this structure, ready to fly atomic missions in a crisis.

The B61-12 Tactical Nuclear Bomb

The weapon at the heart of this new capability is the American B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb. The F-35A was officially certified to carry this specific munition in 2024. The B61-12 is a tactical weapon, meaning it is designed for battlefield use rather than for striking cities, which is the role of strategic weapons. It features a variable yield, allowing its explosive power to be adjusted from a low of 0.3 kilotons up to 50 kilotons, providing significant operational flexibility. Its advanced design, combined with the F-35A's stealth capabilities, allows for precision strikes against heavily defended targets while minimising the risk of detection.

Image Credit - Navy Lookout

Command, Control, and Controversy

Deployment of these armaments would be subject to a stringent authorisation process. Any use would require the consent of Nato's atomic planning body, which operates by consensus, meaning all thirty-one member nations must consent. Furthermore, both the President of the United States and the British prime minister would need to give their authorisation. The US maintains B61 bomb stockpiles in Europe for this purpose. Justin Bronk from the defence-focused think tank, RUSI, notes that ultimate control over the release of the bombs remains with the United States, a point that could prove contentious given the UK's reliance on American approval.

A Return to an Old Role

The decision reintroduces an air-launched atomic capability to the Royal Air Force for the first time in over a quarter of a century. The RAF previously operated smaller, tactical atomic armaments in the form of the British-designed and built WE.177 free-fall bomb. This weapon was carried by aircraft like the Tornado and was a key part of Britain's Cold War deterrent. The WE.177 was decommissioned in 1998, leaving Britain's atomic deterrent solely in the hands of the submarine fleet of the Royal Navy. This new F-35A squadron marks the RAF's return to the "atomic arena," a significant shift in UK defence policy.

Distinguishing from Trident

This new air-based capability is distinct from the UK’s primary strategic nuclear deterrent, the Trident system. Trident consists of four Vanguard-class submarines, each armed with Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles. These missiles carry British-made warheads, and their operational command and control are entirely sovereign to the UK, with the prime minister holding sole launch authority. While the missiles are leased from a shared pool with America, successive governments have maintained that Trident's use is not dependent on American consent, describing it as Britain’s "independent deterrent." The F-35A provides a different, more flexible tactical option.

The Geopolitical Imperative

The government's move comes as a reaction to a deteriorating global security environment. The 2025 strategy for national security explicitly warns that threats to the British homeland from state actors are increasing. It identifies a growing possibility of the UK facing a direct menace, possibly in a conflict situation, for the first time in many years. The strategy highlights the shortcomings of arms control in preventing atomic proliferation and points to the expanding arsenals of countries like China and the aggressive posture of Russia. This acquisition is a direct reaction to what John Healey, the Defence Secretary, described as "new atomic hazards."

A New Global Arms Race

Recent analysis from organisations like the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) confirms these fears. Their 2025 yearbook notes that nearly all nine nuclear-armed states are actively modernising their arsenals. While overall warhead numbers have decreased since the Cold War due to the dismantling of retired US and Russian weapons, the number of warheads in active military stockpiles is now increasing again. China is rapidly expanding its forces and could possess as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as America or Russia by the end of the decade. This trend signals a dangerous new era of nuclear competition.

The National Security Strategy

The decision to buy the F-35A jets is a key outcome of the government's latest strategy on national security. Published in June 2025, the document presents a stark assessment of the dangers facing the UK. It cautions that adversaries are positioning themselves to disrupt critical supply chains and that the country must proactively ready itself for the potential of direct military conflict. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden stated that the nation must be "clear-eyed and hard-edged" about these threats. The strategy calls for a "new national resilience effort" and underpins the government's commitment to significantly increased defence spending.

Bolstering the UK Economy

Beyond the strategic implications, the government has highlighted the economic benefits of the F-35 programme. The order is expected to sustain twenty thousand jobs across the United Kingdom. The UK's defence industry plays a significant role in the global F-35 supply chain, with around 15% of each jet's components being manufactured by over 100 British companies. Firms like BAE Systems, which produces the rear fuselage, and Rolls-Royce are integral to the production line. This "defence dividend" will inject investment into highly skilled manufacturing and technology sectors nationwide.

RAF Marham: Home of the Lightning Force

The new squadron of F-35A planes will be stationed at RAF Marham in Norfolk. This base is already the established home of the UK's Lightning Force, operating the existing F-35B models. RAF Marham has a long and storied history, including as a base for the Cold War V-bomber nuclear deterrent force. Significant investment has been made to prepare the station for these fifth-generation aircraft, including a £500 million facility upgrade ahead of the first F-35B arrivals in 2018. The addition of the F-35As will create a third front-line F-35 squadron at the base, further cementing its role as a key hub for UK air power.

Image Credit - Business Insider

A New Spending Pledge

This major procurement is backed by a new financial commitment to national security. The prime minister has pledged that Britain will adhere to a new Nato benchmark of allocating 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on national security by 2035. This ambitious goal, agreed upon by the 32 Nato allies, raises the spending level from the previous 2% target. The 5% figure will be broken down into 3.5% for core defence spending and 1.5% for wider areas like national resilience and infrastructure security. This reflects a significant reallocation of national resources towards defence in the coming decade.

International Endorsement

The UK's decision has been welcomed by its allies. Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary-general, praised the move, describing it as another powerful British commitment to the alliance. The acquisition of the F-35A, the most common variant across Europe, enhances interoperability and strengthens the alliance's collective deterrence posture. As more Nato members operate the same platform, it simplifies joint operations, logistics, and training, creating a more cohesive and effective fighting force. This standardisation is a force multiplier for the alliance as it confronts the security challenges of today and tomorrow.

A Bipartisan Consensus

The announcement demonstrates a significant degree of cross-party agreement on a major national security issue. The Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer finalised and announced the purchase. However, the plan aligns with long-standing objectives within the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Air Force, indicating broad institutional support. During a parliamentary session, questions from Conservative MPs focused on the specifics of command and control arrangements, rather than opposing the acquisition itself. This suggests a solid political consensus on the need to enhance the UK's defensive capabilities in the current climate.

Timeline and Future Plans

The initial purchase is for at least twelve aircraft, but this is part of a larger, long-term plan. The government has a declared intent to procure a total of 138 F-35 jets over the lifetime of the programme. The immediate next batch will include these 12 F-35As alongside another 15 F-35B models. The RAF will require a period to fully integrate the new aircraft and train crews to achieve certification for the atomic role. Defence analyst Justin Bronk has noted that while the conventional benefits of the F-35A's range and payload will be immediate, a return to full nuclear readiness will be a gradual process.

A Strategic Pivot for a New Age

In conclusion, the United Kingdom's decision to procure nuclear-capable F-35A jets is a landmark moment for its national defence. It represents a strategic pivot, reintroducing an air-launched atomic option that was retired decades ago. This move is a direct reaction to a starkly re-evaluated security landscape, as outlined in the government's latest strategic reviews. By investing in these advanced aircraft, joining Nato's nuclear sharing mission, and committing to a substantial increase in defence spending, the UK is signalling a clear intent to strengthen its military posture and its role within the Atlantic alliance for a more dangerous and uncertain world.