Overview

• The UK government confirmed on June 25 that it will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying B61 nuclear gravity bombs to reintroduce an air-launched nuclear role for the RAF.
• The jets will be based at RAF Marham and participate in NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft mission, enhancing the alliance’s nuclear deterrence posture against threats from Russia.
• Choosing the F-35A over the F-35B is projected to cut per-aircraft costs by up to 25% while offering greater range and payload capacity.
• The procurement is part of a defence review that commits to raising military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, alongside investments in submarines, space and cyber capabilities.
• Lockheed Martin’s F-35 programme is expected to sustain around 20,000 UK jobs and deliver a total of 138 jets over its lifetime.