UK's Bold Move: Expanding Its Nuclear Arsenal with F-35A Deal
The United Kingdom is purchasing 12 F-35A fighter jets from the US, marking a significant expansion of its nuclear deterrent. This move will see the UK join NATO's airborne nuclear mission, significantly strengthening its nuclear posture, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a NATO summit.
The United Kingdom is set to acquire 12 US-made F-35A fighter jets, enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities as it joins NATO's shared airborne nuclear mission. This development marks a significant shift towards strengthening the UK's nuclear posture, described as the most substantial in a generation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the plan at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, where NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte lauded it as a powerful British contribution to the alliance. Historically, the UK has relied on submarine-based missiles, phasing out air-dropped atomic weapons post-Cold War.
Despite joining this nuclear mission, the UK doesn't host US nuclear weapons, a contentious issue addressed by Marion Messmer from Chatham House. Concurrently, the UK pledges 350 air defense missiles to Ukraine, with increased security expenditure anticipated to comprise 5% of its GDP by 2035.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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