UK Confirms F-35A Purchase for NATO Nuclear Strike Role
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review recommends a shift in the Royal Air Force’s fighter jet fleet to include both F-35B and F-35A variants, driven by cost-effectiveness and potential future requirements. This decision, confirmed by the Defence Minister, marks a departure from the previous focus solely on the F-35B. The inclusion of the F-35A is strongly linked to the UK’s potential increased participation in NATO’s nuclear sharing mission, mirroring Germany’s recent adoption of the F-35A for this purpose. Ongoing discussions with the US and NATO regarding this enhanced role are underway.
John Q. Hosedrinker