THE HAGUE — On Tuesday, the British government announced plans to acquire twelve F-35A fighter aircraft equipped with tactical nuclear weaponry. This move represents the most significant enhancement of their nuclear defense capabilities in decades.
The acquisition of the Lockheed Martin planes would enable Britain’s air force to transport nuclear arms for the first time since the conclusion of the Cold War, according to Downing Street.
"In an age marked by extreme unpredictability, we can no longer assume peace will prevail, which is why my administration is increasing investments in our national security," stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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‘Robust contribution’
The UK is boosting its defense budget and enhancing its armed forces, particularly its submarine capabilities, due to growing tensions with Russia and as the U.S. steps back from its customary position as protector of European security.
The UK government stated that purchasing these fighter jets would enable them to provide what they call dual-capable planes for carrying nuclear weapons should a conflict arise.
"This is yet another strong British addition to NATO," stated Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of the organization.
The last time the UK conducted a nuclear test was
Britain’s current nuclear deterrence relies exclusively on the Trident submarines, which have experienced two consecutive test failures; one malfunctioned during a test last year, and another deviated from its intended path in 2016.
The final year Britain had its own airborne nuclear capability launched from aircraft was 1998, when the WE-177 freefall bomb was taken out of service, as stated by Parliament.
Tactical nuclear weapons are meant for use on the battlefield, unlike strategic ones which are built to strike over great distances.
By acquiring the F-35A fighter jets, Britain could broaden its military choices and get closer to matching the conventional forces of NATO partners like France and the U.S., which retain both terrestrial, naval, and aerial nuclear assets.
Preparing for war
The F-35A combat aircraft can carry US B61 tactical nuclear bombs. It is probable that Britain would require the United States to provide these weapons for use with the airplanes, according to a British official who chose not to be identified.
In 2008, the United States removed its final nuclear arms from Britain, indicating at that point that the risk of conflict had diminished with the conclusion of the Cold War.
On Tuesday, the government stated that they must "proactively ready" themselves for potential warfare within their country after many years. /cb