On Tuesday, the British government announced that Martin will buy 12 new F-35A fighters from American company Lockheed, which are able to carry tactical nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is going to inform leaders at the NATO summit in Hague on Wednesday, TASR writes, according to AFP and Reuters reports.
Since the end of the Cold War, the British nuclear deterioration within NATO has exclusively provided missiles on board the submarines of the Royal Navy. The British Trident nuclear program currently consists of four Vanguard class submarines, each carrying up to 16 warheads.
“The purchase is the largest strengthening of the United Kingdom nuclear position for the last generation. At the same time, for the first time since the end of the Cold War, when the United Kingdom eliminated its sovereign airy nuclear weapons, restores the nuclear role of the royal aviation, ” It is stated in the British Government statement.
F-35A fighters allow Britain to engage in NATO mission by providing so-called double-capable aircraft carry nuclear weapons in case of conflict. London’s announcement therefore then then welcomed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as a “other robust British contribution” to the Alliance.
Like other countries, Britain increases defense spending and modernizes its military forces, including the submarine fleet because It faces the growing hostility by Russia and the United States retreat from its traditional task defender of security in Europewrites Reuters.
“In the era of radical uncertainty, we can no longer consider peace for granted. These aircraft will strengthen our armed forces and support community through our defense industry throughout the country,” She is about to say Starr.
Britain is already using F-35B fighters, which is also manufactured by American company Lockheed Martin. However In addition to conventional weapons, the F-35A variant can also carry nuclear heads-namely US B61-12 bombs. Such tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield, unlike strategic weapons designed for long distances, Reuters explained.
