Britain to buy nuclear-capable aircraft - Aims to strengthen national security and contribution to NATO
The British government announced it would buy F-35A fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons. The purchase of the Lockheed Martin fighter jets would allow the British air force to carry nuclear weapons for the first time since the end of the Cold War, according to Downing Street.
"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," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
Britain is increasing defense spending and upgrading military forces, including its submarine fleet, while the United States is retreating from its traditional role as the protector of European security.
The government said the purchase of the fighter jets would allow it to contribute so-called dual-capable aircraft to NATO, which can carry nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict.
Britain's nuclear deterrent currently relies solely on the Trident submarine system, which failed during a test last year. It was the second consecutive failure after one of its ships went off course in 2016.
The last time Britain had an independent air-to-air nuclear capability was in 1998 when the WE-177 free-fall bomb was withdrawn from service. Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield, as opposed to strategic weapons designed to fire over long distances.
By purchasing the F-35A fighter jets, Britain would be able to diversify its military options and link more closely with NATO allies such as France and the United States, which maintain nuclear-capable land, sea and air assets.
The United States withdrew its last nuclear weapons from Britain in 2008, a sign at the time that the threat of post-Cold War conflict was receding. Downing Street said the purchase of the new jets would support around 20,000 jobs in Britain.
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