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UK RAF evaluates total F-35A fleet size to restore nuclear-capable airforce role
The Royal Air Force plans to purchase 12 F-35A jets to support training and assess aircraft needed for future nuclear missions alongside existing F-35Bs.
The gist
The RAF is acquiring 12 F-35As for training and studying the fleet size needed to reestablish nuclear-capable strike roles within NATO.
The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force is actively determining the number of Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft it will require as part of its broader strategy to resume an air-launched nuclear capability. Officials confirmed the intent to acquire 12 conventional take-off F-35A jets to underpin its operational conversion unit, a crucial step in preparing pilots to operate the platform effectively. This development was disclosed at the Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference held in London on 15 July by Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck, director of capability and programmes for the RAF.
This prospective acquisition comes as an addition to the RAF and Royal Navy's existing fleet of 15 F-35B jets, which are the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the Lightning II family. The F-35B has been integral to British carrier aviation operations, but the F-35A variant is necessary for certain roles, including those involving conventional runway operations and potential nuclear missions.
The reintroduction of the F-35A aligns with the UK Ministry of Defence's plans to enable Britain to reenter NATO’s dual-capable aircraft (DCA) mission, a role that the RAF has not carried out since the late 1980s. These DCA missions involve aircraft capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear weapons, reinforcing NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture. The RAF had previously retired its nuclear-capable Panavia Tornado aircraft in 1998, which had carried free-fall WE177 bombs.
Air Vice-Marshal Beck clarified that the initial purchase of F-35As is primarily to support the RAF’s training and operational conversion units rather than immediately fielding a nuclear delivery capability. Concurrently, the RAF is conducting detailed assessments to define the future fleet size and operational posture necessary to fulfill its commitments within NATO's nuclear sharing framework. This involves analysis of the number of aircraft required to maintain an effective deterrence and strike capability.
Key to this nuclear mission will be the integration of US-supplied B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs that the F-35As would carry. Additionally, the RAF remains without in-house boom-equipped aerial refueling tankers capable of supporting the extended-range nuclear missions, necessitating reliance on NATO-operated support assets. The RAF aims to standardize operational tactics and training in partnership with other European and NATO dual-capable aircraft operators to ensure cohesion and readiness.
The revival of this nuclear role is portrayed as one of the most significant strategic movements by the RAF in recent decades. Beck emphasized the changing global threat environment, particularly pointing to Russia’s demonstrated willingness to consider tactical nuclear weapon use, underscoring the strategic imperative for NATO members and partners to maintain credible deterrence forces. This move is framed as critical in preserving the collective security arrangements in the face of evolving military doctrines.
At the same conference, counterparts from France outlined their continuous operational testing and exercises to maintain a robust airborne nuclear strike readiness, highlighting the active status of their strategic forces. This broader context points to a renewed emphasis among NATO allies on ensuring effective nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Meanwhile, experts highlighted the growing nuclear capabilities of China, noting substantial expansions in its missile arsenal and shifts in strategic posture that complicate the global security landscape. This backdrop reinforces the RAF's drive to review and potentially expand its F-35 fleet to meet modern deterrence challenges, maintaining interoperability and capability alongside key NATO partners.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is the UK Royal Air Force acquiring F-35A jets now?
- The RAF plans to acquire 12 F-35A aircraft primarily to support its operational conversion unit and to study requirements for re-establishing a nuclear-capable dual-capable aircraft role within NATO.
- What nuclear capabilities will the RAF operate with the F-35A?
- The RAF intends to arm additional F-35As with US-supplied B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs as part of its future nuclear strike mission within NATO’s nuclear sharing framework.
- What challenges does the RAF face in supporting its nuclear delivery mission?
- The RAF currently lacks boom-equipped aerial refueling tankers needed for extended nuclear missions and will rely on NATO-operated tankers, while also needing to standardize training and operations with NATO dual-capable aircraft partners.
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