The latest batch of 27 F-35s will be a mix of F-35As - like this - and the carrier-capable B model (Picture: US Air Force) — The latest batch of 27 F-35s will be a mix of F-35As – like this – and the carrier-capable B model (Picture: US Air Force)

RAF

RAF's nuclear-capable F-35As due for delivery by end of the decade, Healey confirms

The RAF will start to take delivery of its nuclear-capable F-35A Lightnings from the end of the decade, the Defence Secretary has confirmed.

John Healey said the purchase of the A models would be part of the next order for 27 F-35s.

He said that while that order had initially been entirely for F-35Bs, only 15 would now be the carrier-capable variant, making way for the RAF's 12 new As.

Mr Healey was speaking before the Defence Committee in Parliament where he was asked if the MOD's plan was still to purchase 138 F-35s in total – he said that figure hadn't changed.

The F-35A, unlike the B model that's currently in service with the RAF and Royal Navy, does not have a short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) capability.

This means it cannot be deployed on either the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales or her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth.

But while the F-35A operates from a conventional runway, it is less expensive than the B, has a longer range and can carry more munitions.

And crucially, it is the only F-35 variant that is cleared to carry B61 tactical nuclear bombs as well as conventional weapons.

Because the F-35A operates from a conventional runway it does need to pay the extra weight and space penalty demanded on STOVL operations — Because the F-35A operates from a conventional runway it does not need to pay the extra weight and space penalty demanded by STOVL operations (Picture: US Air Force)

The decision to buy the 12 F-35As – something that was suggested in the Strategic Defence Review – was hailed at the time as a "profound step for UK defence" by the head of the Royal Air Force.

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

"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 Royal Air Force 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 F-35A.

The next delivery of F-35s will include 15 more B variants, like the ones seen here on board the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Prince of Wales (Picture: MOD)

The decision to buy the F-35A gives the RAF an air-launched tactical nuclear strike capability that was lost when the Tornado was withdrawn from service.

The Typhoon, despite being a multi-role aircraft, is not capable of carrying nuclear munitions.