The United Kingdom has confirmed plans to purchase at least 12 US-made F-35A stealth fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The move, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 26, 2025, aims to strengthen NATO’s nuclear deterrence as the country prepares for potential shifts in US security commitments under Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House.
The United Kingdom has announced plans to purchase at least 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets from the US defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corporation, marking a significant shift in the country’s military posture. The decision comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to strengthen NATO’s nuclear deterrent ahead of a crucial summit and in light of recent signals from former US President Donald Trump suggesting reduced American security support in Europe.
The purchase of the F-35A stealth aircraft, capable of carrying B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs, is projected to cost around $1 billion. It will also restore the Royal Air Force’s nuclear role for the first time since 1998. The announcement was made ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague on June 26 and aligns with the alliance’s proposed target of allocating 5% of GDP towards defense spending.
“This is not about the UK acquiring a new nuclear weapon,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey in an interview with Sky News. “It’s about reaffirming our role within NATO’s established nuclear mission.”
The move is supported by findings in a recent Strategic Defense Review, which emphasized the need to diversify and enhance deterrence mechanisms amid increasing nuclear threats from global adversaries like Russia.
Although exact delivery timelines were not disclosed, the UK government stated that British industry would contribute to 15% of the F-35 supply chain, helping to support nearly 20,000 jobs across the country.
Prime Minister Starmer’s initiative is also seen as a strategic overture to Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized European nations for underspending on defense. Trump, despite being inconsistent in his foreign policy positions, has historically welcomed large-scale arms deals that benefit US defense companies.
With the UK already investing £15 billion in nuclear warheads and building up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership with the US and Australia, this latest deal represents an expanded commitment to European security.
The renewed role of the RAF will come with operational changes. Since the F-35A is designed for stealth and close-target delivery, experts like Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) suggest it’s the most viable aircraft for NATO’s tactical nuclear strategy. “The RAF can only deliver free-fall nuclear bombs with a platform like the F-35A,” Bronk told the BBC.
While the UK hasn’t disclosed details of weapons-sharing protocols, past arrangements have involved US control over nuclear payloads designated for allied use.
This bold move also serves to reassure NATO members and signal to Moscow that Europe is prepared to defend itself independently if required, especially in the event of a reduced American commitment to Article 5—NATO’s mutual defense clause.