Overview

• The UK government confirmed the acquisition of 12 F-35A jets certified to carry US B61-12 gravity bombs, restoring an air-launched nuclear role for the RAF for the first time since 1998.
• The jets will join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft mission and be stationed at RAF Marham, with initial deliveries expected before the end of the decade.
• Deployment of US-owned B61 bombs will require sign-off from the US President, the British prime minister and NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group.
• The F-35A’s use of a rigid-boom refuelling system is not compatible with existing RAF tankers, creating potential range limitations without allied support.
• Choosing the F-35A over the carrier-capable F-35B is projected to save up to 25 percent per aircraft and aligns with plans to raise UK defence spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.