Fact Check: UK's nuclear capability now relies on US control for weapon release!

Fact Check: "UK's nuclear capability now relies on US control for weapon release!"

What We Know

The claim that the UK's nuclear capability relies on US control for weapon release is based on recent announcements regarding the UK's military strategy and procurement of new fighter jets. The UK government has confirmed plans to purchase 12 F-35A jets capable of carrying US-made nuclear bombs, specifically the B61 tactical nuclear weapons, as part of its commitment to NATO's airborne nuclear mission (AP News, Reuters).

This move is described as a significant enhancement of the UK's nuclear posture, marking the first time since the 1990s that the UK will have the capability to deploy air-launched nuclear weapons (Sky News). The use of these nuclear weapons would require authorization from NATO's nuclear planning group, which includes the US president and the British prime minister (BBC, The Guardian).

Historically, the UK's nuclear deterrent has relied on the Trident missile system, which is US-built, although the warheads are manufactured in the UK. Despite this, successive UK governments have maintained that the use of these weapons is independent of US control (Chatham House).

Analysis

The assertion that the UK's nuclear capability is now reliant on US control for weapon release is nuanced. While it is true that the new F-35A jets will be part of NATO's nuclear mission and that their use will require US authorization, this does not entirely negate the UK's independent nuclear deterrent status. The UK's Trident system, while US-built, is operated independently, and the warheads are produced domestically (Chatham House).

Experts, such as Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute, have pointed out that the US will control the release of the B61 bombs in wartime scenarios, which could lead to contention regarding the UK's reliance on US decision-making in nuclear matters (BBC, Sky News). However, the UK government has historically asserted that its nuclear capabilities are independent, and the decision to use nuclear weapons ultimately lies with the UK leadership (Chatham House).

The context of this claim is also important; the UK's strategic defense review indicates a shift towards rearmament and a recognition of new nuclear threats, which may influence perceptions of reliance on US capabilities (The Bulletin).

Conclusion

The claim that the UK's nuclear capability now relies on US control for weapon release is Partially True. While the integration of the F-35A jets into NATO's nuclear mission does introduce a layer of US oversight regarding the use of certain nuclear weapons, the UK maintains an independent nuclear deterrent through its Trident system. Thus, while there is an element of reliance on US authorization for specific scenarios, the UK's overall nuclear strategy still asserts a degree of independence.

Sources

1. UK says it will buy F-35 jets capable of carrying nuclear bombs
2. UK to purchase fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons
3. UK to purchase nuclear-carrying fighter jets
4. ChatGPT | OpenAI
5. In dramatic move, UK to buy F-35 stealth jets that can carry US nuclear warheads
6. UK to expand nuclear deterrent with US fighter jets capable of carrying warheads
7. The UK's nuclear deterrent relies on US support - but there are no other easy alternatives
8. UK considers reintroducing air-launched tactical nuclear weapons