UK Restores Air-Delivered Nuclear Role With U.S.-Made F-35A Fighters for NATO

The United Kingdom is advancing plans to buy at least 12 conventional-takeoff F-35A fighters and contribute them to NATO's dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission. The aircraft will be based at RAF Marham, support formation of a third frontline Lightning squadron and use United States nuclear weapons that remain under U.S. custody and control within alliance arrangements. The decision reintroduces a nuclear delivery role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since Britain retired its sovereign air-launched weapons, while the country's independent deterrent remains the submarine-based Trident system.