UK announces intent to purchase at least 12 F-35A Fighters for NATO Nuclear Mission
June 27, 2025
The United Kingdom on June 24 announced plans to procure at least 12 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters for the purpose of reintroducing an aircraft-deliverable nuclear deterrent to the Royal Air Force (RAF).
This acquisition reintroduces an air-delivered nuclear strike role to the RAF for the first time since 1998.
The F-35A variant is certified to carry the U.S.-made B61-12 tactical nuclear gravity bomb, which remains under U.S. control in accordance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The aircraft will be stationed at RAF Marham in Norfolk and will participate in NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear-sharing mission.
The decision to procure F-35A models instead of the short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B variant is expected to yield cost savings of up to 25% per aircraft. Each F-35A is estimated to cost between £75 million and £80 million, bringing the total expenditure for the 12 jets to over £900 million.
Delivery of the F-35A aircraft is anticipated by 2030. The RAF plans to utilize these jets primarily for training purposes under the Operational Conversion Unit, while maintaining their readiness for deployment in a tactical nuclear strike role as part of NATO's deterrence strategy.
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