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yesterday

UK to Expand Nuclear Deterrent With F-35A Fighter Jets

The jets will join NATO’s nuclear sharing mission at RAF Marham in response to growing global instability.

An F-35A Lightning II from the 354th Fighter Wing takes off during an ACE drill at Eielson AFB, Alaska.
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Overview

  • Twelve F-35A jets capable of carrying US B61 bombs will join NATO’s dual-capable aircraft mission, establishing the RAF’s first airborne nuclear role since the Cold War.
  • The aircraft are scheduled to be stationed at RAF Marham in Norfolk as part of NATO’s shared deterrence strategy under alliance approval procedures.
  • The decision stems from a strategic defence review that warned of escalating nuclear threats from Russia and other state actors.
  • The UK has committed to raising defence spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035 to meet NATO’s strengthened security targets.
  • Separately, London will supply 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine funded by £70 million from seized Russian assets.