Nuke-carrying fleet of F-35As a profound step for UK Defence, says RAF chief

The UK's decision to buy 12 new F-35A Lightning fighter jets which can be equipped with nuclear bombs has been hailed as a "profound step for UK Defence" by the head of the Royal Air Force.

The F-35A can still carry conventional weapons, but has the option of being equipped with US-made nuclear bombs.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the Chief of the Air Staff, said: "The threat we face is more serious than at any time since the Cold War.

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"Equipping the RAF with F-35A jets demonstrates our unshakable commitment to Nato and further deters those who would do the UK and our allies harm."

The head of the RAF made his comments on X after the Government called the move "the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation".

It means the UK can join Nato's airborne nuclear mission, which involves allied aircraft being equipped with American B61-12 bombs stockpiled in Europe.

Seven other countries, including the US, Germany and Italy, already use the dual-capability jets.

The decision to buy F-35A  jets is seen as a victory for the RAF – which has long been lobbying for a longer range fighter that can carry a larger variety of bombs and missiles.

The new A variants will be based at RAF Marham.

The RAF and Royal Navy currently operate the F-35B, which has a short take-off/vertical landing capability, but is not cleared to carry nuclear weapons - and neither is the conventional carrier landing C model used by the US Navy.

The F-35A used by the US Air Force is the only variant of the Lightning that is currently cleared for Nato nuclear munitions.