- UK to Bolster Nuclear : The UK will purchase 12 F‑35A fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons.
- Marks the UK’s first air-launched nuclear option since the end of the Cold War.
- The jets can carry US-made B61 tactical nuclear bombs (UK to Bolster Nuclear), aligning the UK closer with NATO’s air–sea–land nuclear strategy.
- Aims to strengthen UK and NATO’s deterrence amid rising tensions with Russia and US retrenchment from Europe.
- NATO Secretary General called the move a “robust British contribution”.
- Will support roughly 20,000 jobs across the UK and help reach NATO’s target of 5% of economic output for defence by 2035.
Signals a shift towards a more prepared military stance as global threats evolve.