LONDON – The United Kingdom will acquire at least 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons and officially join NATO’s airborne nuclear mission, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce Wednesday during the NATO summit in the Netherlands.
The F-35A, manufactured primarily by U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multirole aircraft that can be equipped with both conventional and U.S.-made nuclear weapons. Downing Street hailed the move as “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” reflecting a shift in defense policy amid rising global tensions.
“In an era of radical uncertainty, we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security,” Starmer said. He added that the decision would support 100 UK businesses and sustain 20,000 jobs, ushering in a “new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the move, calling it “yet another robust British contribution to NATO.”
