An F-35A Lightning II takes off for routine training on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in 2023. [Credit: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
The UK will purchase a dozen F-35A fighter jets to boost national security and join NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission, strengthening deterrence against nuclear threats.
This acquisition marks the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation, reintroducing a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force.
The purchase is expected to support over 20,000 jobs in the UK's F-35 program, with the F-35A model saving 25 percent in costs per aircraft compared to F-35B Lightning IIs.
In a bid to boost national security, the United Kingdom has announced it will purchase a dozen F-35A fighter jets.
The decision announced Wednesday comes as the U.K. prepares to join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission—which aims to bolster nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities to better deter nuke threats to the alliance.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.
