The United Kingdom has confirmed plans to acquire a new fleet of advanced F-35B stealth fighter jets, which are capable of carrying U.S.-made nuclear warheads—marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s strategic defence posture amid rising global tensions.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Defence, comes as part of Britain’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain interoperability with NATO allies. The F-35Bs, developed by U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin, are short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variants designed for carrier operations and precision strike capabilities.
While the UK maintains its own nuclear deterrent through the Trident submarine-based system, the decision to procure F-35s with nuclear-capable configurations reflects growing security coordination with the United States and other NATO partners. These jets are compatible with the American B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb—a weapon already integrated into NATO’s shared deterrence structure.
Defence officials have not confirmed whether the UK will actively deploy U.S. nuclear warheads on British soil or jets, but analysts suggest the move enhances deterrence credibility in the face of evolving threats from adversaries such as Russia and Iran.
“This is about ensuring the UK remains a credible and capable ally within NATO,” said defence analyst Dr. Emily Harrington of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). “While the UK is not acquiring new nuclear weapons of its own, it is investing in platforms that ensure readiness and adaptability in the current strategic environment.”
The announcement also comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and increasing concern over nuclear brinkmanship globally. By upgrading to the nuclear-capable F-35, the UK aligns more closely with U.S. and NATO military architecture, sending a clear signal of unity and preparedness.
The RAF currently operates around 30 F-35Bs, with the latest order expected to raise the fleet to 74 aircraft by the end of the decade. These jets will be based on both land and aboard the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Critics, however, have voiced concerns over the strategic implications of deeper reliance on U.S. nuclear infrastructure and potential escalation in regional arms races.
Nonetheless, the UK government insists the acquisition is a prudent investment in national defence, ensuring its armed forces remain equipped for both conventional and strategic missions in an increasingly volatile global landscape.