UK to Acquire 12 F-35A Fighter Jets with Nuclear Weapon Capability

The UK plans to purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, marking a major upgrade to its nuclear deterrence—the first since the Cold War. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce the move at the NATO summit in The Hague. The jets will be based at RAF Marham and support 20,000 UK jobs. These dual-capable aircraft will enhance NATO’s nuclear posture, with similar planes already deployed in other NATO countries. The announcement comes amid a push to raise NATO defence spending targets from 2% to 5% of GDP, as Europe boosts military readiness in response to Russia.