Lockheed Martin’s F-35
In what would constitute the most significant transformation of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrence strategy since the end of the Cold War, the British government is reportedly evaluating the introduction of air-launched nuclear weapons. According to The Sunday Times, confidential discussions are underway between London and Washington regarding the potential acquisition of American-made F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, which are capable of delivering B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs.
This potential expansion of the UK’s nuclear capability comes amid growing geopolitical instability, particularly in the context of Russia’s increasingly assertive posture and the rising risk of state-on-state conflict. It marks a possible return to a dual-delivery nuclear doctrine, complementing the existing submarine-based Trident system, which currently serves as the UK’s sole strategic deterrent.
Strategic Context
The consideration of tactical air-launched nuclear capabilities reflects a broader reassessment of national security priorities under the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review 2025, scheduled for release on Monday. While the review is not expected to explicitly confirm the procurement of such weapons, it is likely to call for an enhanced contribution to NATO’s nuclear posture and a renewed focus on industrial readiness.
According to senior defence sources cited by British media, the proposal enjoys the support of Defence Secretary John Healey, Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The UK government is said to be seriously evaluating the operational and strategic advantages of reintroducing low-yield, air-delivered nuclear weapons to its arsenal—particularly as a flexible deterrent against limited nuclear escalation scenarios.
Alignment with NATO Doctrine
Should the UK proceed with this initiative, it would align more closely with NATO’s nuclear-sharing framework, under which several member states, including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, deploy dual-capable aircraft (DCA) for the delivery of U.S. nuclear weapons. Germany recently committed to acquiring F-35A aircraft for precisely this purpose.
The F-35A, a fifth-generation multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, is the only variant of the F-35 family certified to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb. The platform offers stealth capabilities, extended range (over 1,350 miles), and a maximum payload capacity of approximately 18,000 pounds.
Government Signals and Policy Implications
While no official announcement has been made, statements by senior UK officials suggest a shift toward greater strategic flexibility. “The world is becoming more dangerous, and nuclear risks are rising,” Healey stated in a recent interview. “We will always do what is necessary to ensure the security of the British people.”
Prime Minister Starmer has likewise indicated a renewed focus on defence preparedness, pledging to increase the UK’s defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. In an op-ed for The Sun, he cited “new nuclear threats” and growing hybrid pressure from Russia, Iran, and North Korea as justification for the government’s updated approach to deterrence and resilience.
Historical Perspective
The UK decommissioned its last air-delivered tactical nuclear weapons in the late 1990s, opting instead for a continuous at-sea deterrent via four Vanguard-class submarines equipped with Trident II D5 missiles. Reintroducing a second vector of nuclear delivery would represent a substantial doctrinal change, expanding the spectrum of response options in a rapidly evolving threat environment.
Outlook
The forthcoming Strategic Defence Review 2025 is expected to set the tone for the UK’s future defence posture, with an emphasis on deterrence credibility, interoperability within NATO, and resilience against near-peer threats. While the acquisition of F-35A aircraft for nuclear purposes remains under consideration, the broader implications are already clear: the United Kingdom is preparing to adapt its deterrence strategy to meet the demands of a more volatile and contested world.
