UK plans acquisition of 12 F-35A fighter jets from US

Currently, the UK fleet includes about 36 F-35s. Alongside this purchase, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to meet NATO's target of allocating 5% of GDP to national security by 2035. Starmer stated: "In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security."

Historically, since 1969, the Royal Navy has maintained a continuous at-sea deterrent with its Vanguard-class submarines. However, this acquisition signifies a shift towards expanding nuclear capabilities beyond maritime means. Downing Street commented that it "reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War."

NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy relies on dual-capability fighter jets like these F-35s and forward-deployed US nuclear weapons in Europe. Other nations using such jets include Germany, Belgium, Italy, and others.

Moreover, this order supports around 20,000 jobs within the UK aerospace sector. Since its inception in 2012, more than 100 UK-based companies have contributed to supplying parts for these jets.