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Air defence expert and RUSI fellow Dr Thomas Withington discusses the UK’s procurement of F-35A nuclear-carrying fighter jets and what they are capable of.
Billed by Downing Street as “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation”, the move will see the UK purchase 12 F-35A jets and join Nato’s airborne nuclear mission.
The jets, a variant of the F-35Bs the UK already uses, can carry conventional weapons, but can also be equipped with nuclear bombs.
The decision represents a victory for the Royal Air Force, which has long pushed for a return of its nuclear capabilities since the last British air-dropped nuclear weapon was withdrawn from service after the end of the Cold War.
Since then, the UK’s nuclear deterrent has been carried exclusively by the Royal Navy’s submarines, which the Government has also promised to invest in renewing with four new vessels.
Sir Keir said: “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, ensuring our armed forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said the decision followed a strategic defence review that “confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals."
The review, published earlier this month, recommended beginning discussions with the US and Nato on “enhanced UK participation” in the alliance’s nuclear mission, and raised the possibility of acquiring F-35As.
Nato’s nuclear mission involves allied aircraft being equipped with American B61 bombs stockpiled in Europe.
Seven nations currently contribute so-called “dual capability aircraft” to Nato’s nuclear mission, but the use of nuclear weapons would require the authorisation of the alliance’s nuclear planning group as well as the US president and British prime minister.
The alliance’s secretary-general Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement, saying it was “yet another robust British contribution to Nato”.
Alongside the nuclear announcement, the UK is set to provide 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine as Sir Keir and Mr Healey push for Nato to provide Kyiv with further support.
The delivery will be funded by £70 million raised from the interest on seized Russian assets.
He added that the aircraft programme will support 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs.
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