The United Kingdom continues its plans to rear and its real Air Force pursues the acquisition of F-35a Lightning II of Lockheed Martin. For London, this would mean Increase the nuclear attack capacity from the air after three decades.
According to the British newspaper Sunday Timesin information to which it has had access, the acquisition is part of a broader strategic review that includes the increase in naval capacity, the investment in antimile defense, the expansion of the surveillance of the underwater infrastructure and the revitalization of the recruitment and the military reserves.
When to its characteristics, the F-35A is the only certified variant to transport the B61 tactical nuclear pump designed by the United States, “A fundamental weapon for the NATO nuclear exchange program”. According to disseminated information, the last tactical atomic weapon of the United Kingdom, the We.177, was withdrawn from the service in 1998, leaving the orphan nation of the deterrence element. Until now, this was reserved for its nuclear propulsion submarines.
“The acquisition of F-35A airplanes would mark a doctrinal change, providing NATO to greater operational flexibility, while diversifying the United Kingdom’s contribution to the nuclear capabilities of the entire alliance,” says the publication. However, Any deployed B61 remains under the control of the United States.
Marham’s base is the “most likely” candidate to house any future nuclear mission. “It has reinforced shelters previously equipped with vaults of the weapon safety and storage system (WS3) built to store atomic pumps. ”
In statements to the middle, the Secretary of Defense of the United Kingdom, John HealeyHe said that “the world is becoming increasingly dangerous” and “nuclear risks are increasing.” Therefore, this turn to deterrence of the highest level reflects the growing concerns about Russian aggression in Europe and the changing expectations of the NATO alliance.
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