UK to buy 12 F-35A stealth fighters to restore airborne nuclear deterrent

The UK government has announced plans to purchase 12 new Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters in order to restore its airborne nuclear deterrent, nearly three decades after it was scrapped.  

Under the agreement announced on June 24, 2025, the UK will join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission and support 20,000 jobs through the F-35 program across the country.  

The dual capable F-35As will carry both nuclear and conventional weapons and see a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force (RAF) reintroduced.  

Several NATO countries contribute dual-capable aircraft capability to the alliance including Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. 

The UK’s current nuclear deterrent comprises four Vanguard-class submarines equipped with US-made Trident D5 intercontinental ballistic missiles.   

According to the UK, through the procurement of F-35As rather than F-35Bs, the government will save 25% per aircraft.  

It had been expected that the UK would purchase 27 F-35Bs, but this will now be split between 12 F-35A and 15 F-35B variants. The UK has declared a headmark of 138 aircraft within the life of the F-35 program. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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, ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend.” 

He added: “Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, 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.” 

Day-to-day, the F-35As will be used in a training role as part of 207 Squadron, the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) and be based at RAF Marham. 

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said: “The threat we now face is more serious and less predictable than at any time since the Cold War. We face war in Europe, growing Russian aggression, new nuclear risks, and daily cyber attacks at home. Equipping the RAF with F-35A aircraft demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to our ‘NATO First’ principle, acting as a potent deterrent to those who would do the UK and our Allies harm.” 

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