Britain is set to bring back fighter jets that can carry nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office confirmed the move on Tuesday, calling it a major step in the country’s defence strategy. This marks a significant shift, as the UK has relied only on nuclear-armed submarines since the Cold War.

UK to Buy 12 Nuclear-Ready F-35A Jets

Under this new plan, the UK will buy 12 F-35A fighter jets, which can launch both conventional and nuclear weapons. These aircraft are built by American defence company Lockheed Martin. The Royal Air Force (RAF) will station them at Marham Air Force Base in eastern England.

According to Downing Street, this is “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation.”

Prime Minister Starmer is expected to share full details of the plan at the NATO summit on Wednesday.

Starmer: New Jets Will Strengthen Deterrence

“These F-35 dual-capable aircraft will mark a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and help deter hostile threats to the UK and our allies,” Starmer said.

His statement highlights the UK’s growing concern over global threats, especially in Europe.

NATO Welcomes British Decision

NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the announcement. He described it as “another strong British contribution to NATO.” This move aligns with NATO’s increasing focus on military readiness, especially after rising tensions with Russia.

A Return to Tactical Nuclear Weapons

Until now, Britain’s nuclear weapons under NATO were delivered only by submarines operated by the Royal Navy. Fighter jets carrying nuclear bombs were retired after the Cold War, as the threat level in Europe was believed to have dropped.

But security analysts say things have changed. Heloise Fayet, a nuclear expert from the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), explained the broader significance. She said, “It shows the re-nuclearisation of Europe and NATO’s renewed focus on deterrence in response to the threat from Russia.”

Why F-35A Matters

The UK already uses the F-35B variant, but it cannot carry nuclear weapons. The F-35A, on the other hand, is specially designed to carry U.S.-made nuclear bombs. The RAF has requested these aircraft for some time to boost its capabilities.

Bringing them into service is seen as an important step in making Britain’s air force more flexible and prepared for modern-day threats.