F-35 fighter jet: UK to buy 12 new F-35 A jets that can carry US nuclear warheads based at RAF Marham - coming up to speed with likes of Germany and Italy
The UK government is to purchase 12 new fighter jets which can be equipped with nuclear bombs.
Downing Street says the move is "the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation". The new F-35 A jets can still carry conventional weapons, but have the option of being equipped with US-made nuclear bombs.
The decision will be announced by the prime minister at the Nato summit taking place this week in the Netherlands. Nato's airborne nuclear mission involves allied aircraft being equipped with American B61 bombs stockpiled in Europe.
Seven other countries, including the US, Germany and Italy, already use the dual-capability jets. The use of nuclear weapons would require the authorisation of Nato's nuclear planning group as well as the US president and British prime minister.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 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". He added that the move would support 100 businesses and 20,000 jobs across the country, welcoming a "new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force".
The new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. The decision to buy F-35 A jets will be seen as a victory for the RAF – which has long been lobbying for a longer range fighter that can fire a larger variety of bombs and missiles.
The F-35 B variant, currently operated by the RAF and the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, has a shorter range and can carry fewer weapons. The F-35 B, with its short take-off and vertical landing, was originally chosen because it can operate off the Royal Navy's two Aircraft Carriers – HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.