Britain will reintroduce fighter jets capable of carrying atomic weapons to support NATO’s nuclear mission, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said, as he prepares for a Nato summit Wednesday.
The country will purchase 12 nuclear weapon-capable F-35A fighters, expanding the country’s deterrence arsenal, which is currently limited to submarine-launched missiles.
“These F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies,” Starmer said in a statement on Tuesday.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was quoted in the statement as saying: “I strongly welcome today’s announcement,” calling it “yet another robust British contribution to NATO”.