UK joins NATO nuclear mission with purchase of 12 F-35A jets from US

The United Kingdom has confirmed the purchase of 12 F-35A fighter jets from the United States, marking a major step in strengthening its nuclear deterrent and deepening its role in NATO’s nuclear mission.

The announcement was made by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 25 during the NATO summit in The Hague, Caliber.Az reports, citing British media.

The F-35A, developed by US defence giant Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation, nuclear-capable aircraft and one of the most advanced combat jets globally. While the UK had already been operating F-35B variants from its aircraft carriers, the acquisition of F-35As brings the Royal Air Force into NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) mission — its first air-based nuclear role since the end of the Cold War.

“The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure,” Starmer said, calling on other alliance members to do more to uphold collective defence. “But we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.”

The move came amid continued criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has accused NATO allies of not spending enough on defence. The UK's decision was seen as both a strategic response to US pressure and a signal of renewed leadership within the alliance.

“In an era of radical uncertainty, we can no longer take peace for granted,” the British prime minister added.

According to the government, the procurement is expected to support 20,000 jobs across the UK’s F-35 program. Britain is a key contributor to the global supply chain for aircraft, producing approximately 15% of all components.

The new jets will be stationed at RAF Marham. While the UK still intends to acquire a total of 138 F-35s, the choice to buy 12 F-35As instead of F-35Bs as part of the current tranche is expected to save up to 25% per aircraft.

The announcement also marked the most significant strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in decades. By participating in NATO’s DCA mission, the UK has added an airborne element to its nuclear deterrent, which until now had been solely sea-based via its Trident submarine fleet.

This reintroduction of a nuclear strike role for the Royal Air Force brings Britain back into a key NATO capability it had left behind in the post-Cold War era.

By Tamilla Hasanova