The United Kingdom is set to purchase at least 12 F-35A fighter jets, which are capable of carrying US-made nuclear weapons, as part of its plan to participate in NATO's airborne nuclear mission.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the decision during the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where he will call on fellow NATO members to reinforce their commitment to the alliance.

In a press release, he emphasized the importance of strengthening national security in a time of growing global instability, stressing, "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."

The F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin, is among the most advanced and expensive combat aircraft globally. While primarily designed for conventional warfare, the aircraft can be equipped to carry nuclear bombs, giving it a strategic edge in NATO's deterrence posture.

Strategic implications for NATO and the UK

Downing Street described the procurement as "the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation," aimed at reinforcing collective security in the Euro-Atlantic region, amid heightened tensions globally. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement, calling it "yet another robust British contribution to NATO."

The acquisition is also expected to have a significant domestic impact. Starmer highlighted that the investment would support around 100 businesses and secure 20,000 jobs across the UK, marking a new era for the Royal Air Force, aligning with broader efforts to modernize the UK's military capabilities and maintain its leadership role within NATO.

Starmer reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the alliance, stating, "The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure. But we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come."

UK to dramatically increase weapons production

On a related note, earlier this month, the UK said it planned to invest $2 billion in building new weapons factories as part of a major rearmament initiative, Defense Secretary John Healey announced.

The plan included constructing at least six new facilities to produce munitions and explosives and acquiring over 7,000 domestically manufactured long-range weapons, such as drones and missiles. Healey also committed to increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2034.

“The hard-fought lessons from [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine show a military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it,” Healey said.

“We are strengthening the UK’s industrial base to better deter our adversaries and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad," he further added.