The United Kingdom is exploring the acquisition of US-made F-35A Lightning II fighter jets capable of deploying tactical nuclear weapons, as part of a wider reassessment of its defence posture in response to increasing geopolitical instability and renewed threats from Russia.
According to senior defence sources, negotiations have been initiated with the United States over the potential purchase of the F-35A variant, which is certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb. The move would represent a major strategic development, introducing an air-launched nuclear capability alongside the UK’s existing submarine-based deterrent.
The development coincides with the publication of the government’s Defence Strategic Review, a 130-page document outlining the UK’s shift towards “war-fighting readiness”. The review states that Britain must be prepared for potential armed conflict in Europe or the North Atlantic and identifies the Russian Federation as an “immediate and pressing danger”. It also flags China as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge”, with Iran and North Korea described as “regional disruptors”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, presenting the review on Monday, stated that the strategy would “ensure the UK rises to the challenge and our armed forces have the equipment they need”. The review outlines plans to increase stockpiles of munitions and support equipment and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure, while also incorporating new technologies such as AI and uncrewed aerial systems.
Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that no immediate increase in personnel or major new budgetary allocations will be included in the current parliament. The size of the British Army has fallen to approximately 70,860—below the government’s stated target of 73,000 and its lowest level in over three centuries. Healey acknowledged ongoing recruitment and retention difficulties, stating that any increase in force strength would be deferred until after the next general election.
If acquired, the F-35A jets would supplement the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force’s existing F-35B fleet. Unlike the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B, the F-35A requires conventional runways but offers a greater range and the ability to carry nuclear ordnance. The B61-12 bomb, which has a selectable yield of up to 50 kilotons, is expected to remain under US ownership and control under NATO nuclear-sharing protocols.
At present, several NATO member states—Germany, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey—host US nuclear weapons under similar arrangements. These warheads are maintained by US personnel and only released to host nations for use in wartime scenarios, when non-proliferation constraints are considered no longer applicable.
The introduction of an air-based nuclear delivery capability would be a significant change to the UK’s nuclear doctrine, which has relied exclusively on the submarine-launched Trident system since the late 1990s. The move is being considered as part of a broader effort to enhance flexibility and reinforce deterrence within the NATO framework, particularly as Russia continues to mobilise resources in its war with Ukraine.
The Defence Strategic Review also includes plans for:
Construction of 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines under the AUKUS programme with the US and Australia, replacing the Astute-class boats from the late 2030s.
A £15 billion investment in the UK’s nuclear weapons infrastructure at Aldermaston, supporting the future of the Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines that will succeed the Vanguard fleet.
Creation of a new Home Guard, composed of volunteers tasked with defending key infrastructure such as airports, communication hubs and energy sites against drone and cyber-attacks, thereby relieving the burden on armed forces and specialist police units.
While no formal decision on the F-35A acquisition has been announced, the government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a projected rise to 3% in the next parliamentary term. Discussions with NATO allies later this month in The Hague are expected to include proposals to lift combined security-related expenditure to 5% of GDP, encompassing military, cyber, and resilience capabilities.
Any move towards deploying US nuclear weapons on UK aircraft would require sensitive negotiation with the Trump administration. While such a shift would not contravene non-proliferation agreements under current NATO procedures, it would nonetheless signal a marked evolution in Britain’s nuclear posture.
As of now, the UK remains the only major nuclear-armed state to rely solely on a submarine-based delivery system. The evolving security landscape, as outlined in the Defence Strategic Review, suggests this approach may be reassessed in the coming years.
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