The British government is in advanced negotiations with the United States to purchase American fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear bombs. The Sunday Times revealed the development this morning (Sunday).
This move represents Britain’s most significant expansion of its nuclear deterrent since the late 1980s, and is aimed directly at countering the threat posed by Russia.
What’s in the deal?
The aircraft under consideration is the American F-35A model, which has a flight range of 1,400 kilometers—enabling it to reach Russian territory. The jets are equipped to carry B61 bombs, precision-guided U.S. nuclear bombs that are deployed by air.
According to estimates, the UK will not develop an independent version of the system, but will instead rely on NATO’s nuclear stockpiles under a nuclear-sharing agreement.
The B61 bomb, WATCH:
With bombs like the B83 and B61, it seems that all of the US active fighter jets have a nuclear strike capability.
That gives the US effectively 2000+ potential nuclear bombers, in addition to dedicated craft like the B-1/B-2/B-21. pic.twitter.com/UWq0F8t6Sm
— ToughSF (@ToughSf) May 14, 2025
“The world is becoming more dangerous”
“The world is becoming more dangerous, and the nuclear threat is returning,” said today (Sunday), UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who is leading the strategic defense review. The review also includes a £6 billion investment in armaments, the establishment of a new civil guard force, and the development of defenses against ballistic missile threats.
Joining the fleet
According to the report, the British Ministry of Defence wants to add an aerial component to its nuclear deterrent. This air-based capability would operate alongside the Vanguard-class submarines, which currently carry Britain’s “Doomsday weapon”—the Trident II missiles. Unlike the United States and France, the UK is currently the only nuclear power relying on a single launch platform: submarines.
Expanding capabilities to include an air-based option is intended to allow a more “flexible” response to threats—particularly from Russia, which has repeatedly threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons since its invasion of Ukraine.
The Trident II missile, WATCH:
A Trident II (D-5) missile clears a flat pad during the Navy’s eighth development test flight. The missile is designed for submerged firing from the ninth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. 12/11/87. (Lockheed Missile and Space) pic.twitter.com/Cc6eZixkny
— J.J. (@kadonkey) December 16, 2024
