The United Kingdom has announced the purchase of 12 U.S.-made F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear bombs, representing a significant enhancement of its nuclear deterrent capabilities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized this as the greatest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation during a NATO summit in the Netherlands. This decision allows the UK to participate in NATO's shared airborne nuclear mission, alongside commitments to provide Ukraine with air defense missiles and plans for increased defense spending across NATO countries to 5% of GDP by 2035.
The United Kingdom's acquisition of 12 F-35A jets marks a significant strengthening of its nuclear posture, deemed the biggest in a generation.
NATO Secretary-General Rutte described the U.K.'s decision as "yet another robust British contribution to NATO," acknowledging its pivotal role in international defense.
The announcement regarding the air defense missiles comes alongside a broader commitment by NATO members to increase security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
Chatham House's Marion Messmer pointed out that the U.K. does not have its own nuclear weapons for the new jets and raised questions about U.S. control.
Collection
[
|
...
]