Fact Check: UK joins NATO's dual capable aircraft nuclear mission

Fact Check: UK Joins NATO's Dual Capable Aircraft Nuclear Mission

What We Know

On June 24, 2025, the UK government announced its decision to purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets, which are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, thereby joining NATO's Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear mission. This move is described as the most significant enhancement of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation, marking a return to air-delivered nuclear capabilities for the Royal Air Force, which had not been operational since the UK retired its air-launched nuclear weapons after the Cold War (GOV.UK, Defense News). The F-35A jets will be based at RAF Marham and are expected to support around 20,000 jobs across the UK (GOV.UK).

Analysis

The announcement aligns with the UK's broader strategic defense review, which acknowledges increasing nuclear threats and emphasizes the need for enhanced deterrence capabilities (GOV.UK). The F-35A variant is particularly suited for this role as it can carry U.S. B61 tactical nuclear weapons, which are integral to NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements (Reuters, Defense News).

The credibility of the sources reporting this information is high, as they include official government announcements and reputable defense news outlets. The UK government's own release provides a primary source of information, while articles from Reuters and Defense News corroborate the details and context of the announcement. Both sources are recognized for their coverage of defense and military issues, adding to the reliability of the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that the UK has joined NATO's dual capable aircraft nuclear mission is True. The decision to procure F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons marks a significant shift in the UK's defense strategy, reintroducing air-delivered nuclear capabilities and enhancing NATO's collective deterrence posture. This move is supported by official government statements and corroborated by multiple credible news sources.