UK to buy new fighter jets for RAF’s first nuclear role since Cold War
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UK set to purchase new fighter jets that can carry nuclear warheads
- Britain will purchase at least a dozen new F35A fighter jets, reintroducing a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War.
- Ministers have hailed the decision as the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, with the UK joining Nato’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission.
- Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce the purchase at the Nato summit, emphasizing that Britain can no longer take peace for granted in an era of radical uncertainty.
- The F35A jets, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons, will be based at RAF Marham and are projected to support 20,000 jobs across the country.
- This significant defence investment follows a government review warning of a potential wartime scenario and comes amid questions regarding the funding for Sir Keir’s pledge to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP.