The United Kingdom will purchase from the United States 12 F-35A fighter jets, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the move at Wednesday’s NATO summit in The Hague.
“This is about ensuring our armed forces have what they need, and strengthening our contribution to NATO,” Starmer said in a statement. “We can no longer take peace for granted.”
In a statement, the British government said the purchase marks the most significant strengthening of the U.K.’s nuclear posture and reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the U.K. retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons after the Cold War.
According to the British government, the decision will support 20,000 jobs within the UK’s F-35 program,
“Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies,” Starmer said.
Defence Secretary John Healey called the move a response to rising nuclear threats and a NATO-first strategy. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the decision, calling it a “robust contribution” to collective security.
The purchase follows a defence review warning of growing conflict risks and a new pledge by the U.K. to raise defense-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
