Britain will buy at least 12 F-35A fighter jets, which can carry nuclear warheads.
The country's Prime Minister Keir Starmer reported this online X.
“In an era of global instability, we can no longer take peace for granted. My government is investing in our national security by purchasing 12 new F-35A fighter jets, supporting thousands of high-skill jobs and opportunities for the working population. Safe at home, strong abroad,” he said.
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As he writes Sky News said it would be the most significant boost to Britain's nuclear capabilities in a generation.
“These dual-mission capable F-35s will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter the hostile threats facing the UK and our allies,” the prime minister said, as quoted by the publication.
It is not yet clear when the F-35A fighters will be acquired or how much they will cost, but the new squadron will be part of a NATO-led nuclear deterrent mission.
Britain to buy F-35 fighter jets
As they say on According to the British government's website, the decision will create 20,000 jobs and help support 100 businesses across the country.
The programme will see 15 per cent of the global aircraft supply chain based in the UK, with the new aircraft based at RAF Marham. In total, London plans to buy 138 F-35s over the life of the programme.
The government said the purchase of the aircraft would restore the RAF's nuclear role after Britain abandoned its air-launched nuclear weapons at the end of the Cold War.
The country will use the F-35A as part of NATO's mission to develop dual-capable nuclear aircraft.
