Stealth Fighters To Join NATO’s Dual Capable Mission

The government of Britain announced plans to purchase 12 new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth bombers to join NATO’s dual capable aircraft mission and to restore its own airborne nuclear deterrence about thirty years after it was eliminated.

Joining NATO’s dual capable nuclear mission will support 20,000 jobs throughout the country through the F-35 program. The F-35 will carry both nuclear and conventional weapons and see the defensive role of the Royal Air Force reintroduced in the alliance and on the global stage.

Other NATO countries currently contributing to the dual-capable aircraft capability of the alliance include Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. The UK said that purchasing the F-35A will save more than 25% per aircraft over the F-35B.

The UK currently has four Vanguard-class submarines equipped with U.S.-made Trident D5 ICMBs as its nuclear deterrent force.

Initial discussions had been expected to lead to the UK purchasing 27 F-35Bs but that will now be divvied up between 12 F-35A and 15 F-35B variants. The UK says it will acquire a total of 138 aircraft within the lifetime of theF-35 program.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security, ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defense dividend.”

“Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies,” he added.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, said, “The threat we now face is more serious and less predictable than at any time since the Cold War. We face war in Europe, growing Russian aggression, new nuclear risks, and daily cyber attacks at home. Equipping the RAF with F-35A aircraft demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to our ‘NATO First’ principle, acting as a potent deterrent to those who would do the UK and our Allies harm.”

FMI:  www.raf.mod.uk/