Fact Check: UK to buy 12 nuclear-capable F-35 A jets, boosting nuclear posture dramatically
What We Know
The UK government has officially announced its decision to purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. This procurement is part of the UK's commitment to join NATO's dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission, which is described as a significant enhancement of the UK's nuclear posture. According to the announcement from the UK government, this move represents "the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation" (GOV.UK). The F-35A jets will be based at RAF Marham and will support approximately 20,000 jobs across the UK (BBC).
The F-35A variant is distinct from the F-35B, which has been previously used by the UK, as it offers a longer range and the ability to carry a wider variety of weapons, including the US-made B61 nuclear bombs stored in Europe (Reuters). The UK’s involvement in NATO’s nuclear mission will also reintroduce a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force, which had been absent since the retirement of its air-launched nuclear weapons after the Cold War (CNN).
Analysis
The announcement regarding the procurement of the F-35A jets is corroborated by multiple credible sources, including government statements and major news outlets. The UK government’s official release emphasizes the strategic importance of this purchase, linking it to the need for enhanced national security in light of increasing global threats (GOV.UK).
The BBC and Reuters provide additional context regarding the operational capabilities of the F-35A jets, noting their dual-use nature for both conventional and nuclear missions. This aligns with NATO's strategy of maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent through the deployment of dual-capable aircraft (BBC, Reuters).
Furthermore, experts from defense think tanks like the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) have commented on the implications of this decision, highlighting that while the UK will regain a nuclear delivery capability, the actual use of nuclear weapons would still require authorization from NATO's nuclear planning group, emphasizing the collaborative nature of NATO's nuclear strategy (Sky News).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with the UK government being the primary source of the announcement, supported by reputable news organizations that report on defense and security matters.
Conclusion
The claim that the UK is set to purchase 12 nuclear-capable F-35A jets, thereby dramatically boosting its nuclear posture, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the purchase and its implications for the UK's defense strategy and NATO's nuclear deterrent posture.
Sources
- UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO nuclear mission as ... - GOV.UK
- UK to purchase fighter jets capable of carrying tactical ... - Reuters
- UK to purchase nuclear-carrying fighter jets - BBC
- UK to buy 12 nuclear-carrying F-35A jets from the United States and ... - CNN
- In dramatic move, UK to buy F-35 stealth jets that can carry US nuclear ... - Sky News
- UK to join NATO nuclear aircraft mission as it buys 12 fighter jets - Politico
