Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Millie Cooke

UK set to purchase new fighter jets that can carry nuclear warheads

  • Britain will purchase at least a dozen new F35A fighter jets, reintroducing a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War.
  • Ministers have hailed the decision as the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, with the UK joining Nato’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission.
  • Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce the purchase at the Nato summit, emphasizing that Britain can no longer take peace for granted in an era of radical uncertainty.
  • The F35A jets, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons, will be based at RAF Marham and are projected to support 20,000 jobs across the country.
  • This significant defence investment follows a government review warning of a potential wartime scenario and comes amid questions regarding the funding for Sir Keir’s pledge to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.