The UK is preparing to acquire American-made fighter jets capable of launching tactical nuclear weapons — a move described as the most significant expansion of the country’s nuclear deterrent since the Cold War. This exclusive development, first reported by The Times UK, signals a renewed focus on deterrence in response to rising global threats, particularly from Russia.
According to The Times UK, the Starmer government is in advanced talks with the United States to procure F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets, which can carry the B61 nuclear gravity bomb — a lower-yield tactical weapon seen as vital to NATO’s flexible deterrence strategy in Europe. Senior government sources said the aircraft would serve as a second pillar to the UK’s current submarine-based nuclear deterrent.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey have both expressed support for the initiative, which is part of a broader strategic defence review due to be unveiled this week. The review emphasizes Britain’s need to adapt to what Healey has called a “new era of threat,” highlighting increasing risks of state-on-state conflict and the importance of nuclear readiness.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff, is understood to have long advocated for air-launched nuclear capabilities. The UK is currently the only nuclear power relying solely on sea-based launch systems, while allies like the United States and France maintain multiple launch platforms across land, sea, and air.
In comments to The Times UK, former Cabinet Secretary and nuclear deterrence expert Simon Case reinforced the strategic value of diversifying launch capabilities: “Deterrence depends on your adversary being certain that you can do real harm to them… you wouldn’t rely on a single system for anything.”
The proposed addition of tactical nuclear aircraft comes amid growing fears that Russia might employ low-yield nuclear weapons in Ukraine or along NATO’s eastern front. Military leaders believe that without more flexible options, any nuclear response by the UK could be misinterpreted as an all-out strategic strike, potentially triggering uncontrolled escalation.
Beyond nuclear deterrence, the strategic review sets out a broad rearmament agenda. Highlights include:
- A £6 billion investment in munitions, including £1.5 billion for six new factories creating 1,000 jobs.
- New missile defence shields to protect against ballistic threats.
- Revival of a civilian home guard to defend critical infrastructure.
- Expansion of the Royal Navy fleet, aiming to increase destroyers and frigates from 14 to 25.
- Launch of “Atlantic Bastion,” an underwater surveillance programme to guard against Russian sabotage.
- Enhanced defence recruitment efforts and a longer-term goal to increase the army’s size from 72,500 to 76,000.
Drones will also feature heavily in the strategy, with major investment aimed at developing a domestic drone industry capable of high-speed innovation and mass production — lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Healey emphasized the need to strengthen the UK’s industrial base to ensure readiness: “The lesson from Ukraine is that a country’s armed forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them.”
The plan has received conditional backing from the Conservative opposition. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, speaking to The Times UK, welcomed the air-launch commitment but warned that the government’s defence spending targets must rise to 3% of GDP this parliament to match the ambition.
The Ministry of Defence is also advancing plans to dismantle decommissioned Vanguard-class submarines, potentially at a new site in Teesside, to free up capacity at Devonport for maintenance of the current fleet.
The coming days are expected to bring further announcements as the government releases a defence industrial strategy to accompany the strategic review. Together, they mark a bold new direction for British defence — one that seeks to rebuild both the muscle and the manufacturing behind the UK’s ability to defend itself and its allies.
