The UK is seeking to purchase American-made fighter jets armed with nuclear weapons to counter the growing threat posed by Russia, according to a report by The Sunday Times.
Sources said that the government is looking to acquire F-35A Lightning stealth fighter jets, as well as other types of aircraft that can be deployed in case of an “all-out nuclear war.”
The aircraft will be fitted with low-yield nuclear munitions, like the F-35-certified B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs.
If greenlit, the purchase would be the biggest development in the UK’s defense posture since the Cold War.
Defence Secretary John Healey said that the country has to adapt to the “new era of threat” that it faces.
“The world is definitely becoming more dangerous. Nuclear risks are rising,” Healey stated.
“We face now, for the first time since the end of the Cold War, seriously increasing risks of state-on-state conflict,” he added.
An official statement from the defense ministry has yet to be released.
Nuclear Seasons
In January, the US began deploying B61-12 nuclear bombs at its bases in Europe following significant advancements in China, North Korea, and Russia’s nuclear postures.
While officially undisclosed, earlier reports indicated that the Lakenheath military base in eastern England was housing some of the weapons.
The base was also reported to have constructed a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons.
Other Improvements
London’s upcoming strategic defense review will also invest around 6 billion pounds ($8.1 million) on munitions to replenish its stockpiles, with 1.5 billion pounds ($2 billion) earmarked for six new factories expected to sustain 1,000 jobs.
The review will also commit to new defensive shields that can protect Britain against ballistic missiles.
Additionally, a navy-administered underwater surveillance program will be established to guard against sabotage of internet cables and energy pipelines.
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