The question concerned speculation that the F-35A could be used to expand the UK’s nuclear deterrence with an air-delivered component. These assumptions emerged shortly after the Royal Air Force announced plans to acquire the aircraft.
According to the minister’s response, London intends to order at least 12 F-35A aircraft configured as Dual Capable Aircraft within NATO. This means they will be able to perform both conventional missions and nuclear roles using weapons provided by and remaining under the control of the United States.
The nuclear weapons involved would most likely be B61 gravity bombs, and the UK does not plan to integrate its own nuclear warheads with the aircraft. As a result, Britain will not expand its national nuclear deterrent, which continues to rely solely on Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles deployed on strategic submarines.
The planned purchase will mark the UK’s first acquisition of the conventional take-off and landing F-35A variant. Until now, Britain has only ordered the F-35B version designed for short take-off and vertical landing operations from Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
