UK F-35 buy paves way for a return to warplane-based nuclear deterrent

DefenseNews: THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The United Kingdom is expected to buy 12 F-35A fighter jets, marking a significant boost to the country’s nuclear deterrence posture, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. Announced ahead of the NATO summit held in The Hague, the government called the acquisition “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation.” The new procurements will allow Britain to “join NATO’s nuclear mission” by reintroducing to the Royal Air Force so-called dual-capable aircraft: airframes that can carry both co…