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The UK government has announced its decision to procure 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets due to incompatibility with RAF tankers. The acquisition of these aircraft is expected to enhance the UK's defense capabilities and strengthen its position within NATO.
The UK government has announced the procurement of 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets.The decision was made due to incompatibility between the F-35A and RAF refueling tanker aircraft.The F-35A will be used for training purposes initially, but may also be used to carry nuclear weapons in times of crisis.The procurement is part of the UK's long-term strategy for fighter jet acquisition.Other NATO countries will be able to refuel the F-35A fighters during times of crisis or conflict.
The United Kingdom government has announced its decision to procure 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets, which will bolster the country's NATO deterrent. The acquisition of these aircraft is a significant development in the UK's military modernization efforts, and it comes at a time when the country is reevaluating its defense strategies.
The main reason behind this procurement decision was the incompatibility between the F-35A and the Royal Air Force (RAF)'s refueling tanker aircraft. The RAF has been utilizing the probe-and-drogue system to refuel its fighter jets, but the F-35A's design makes it incompatible with this system. The F-35A features a receptacle on its fuselage into which the tanker delivers fuel using a rigid boom, whereas the RAF's tanker aircraft are designed for use with the probe-and-drogue system.
Despite this incompatibility, other NATO countries will be able to refuel the RAF's F-35A fighters during times of crisis or conflict. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has emphasized that this compatibility issue is not a significant concern, and that the F-35A's nuclear-capable design will enhance the UK's defense capabilities.
The procurement of 12 F-35As is part of the next tranche of fighter jets for the RAF, which was initially planned to consist entirely of F-35B aircraft. However, the MoD has substituted 12 F-35A for what would have been 12 F-35B in the new procurement package from defense firm Lockheed Martin.
The F-35A is a variant designed for conventional take-off and landing from a runway, and it is certified to carry the American B61 tactical nuclear bomb. The aircraft has a longer range than its F-35B counterpart, with a maximum range of 1,200 miles (2,200 km) compared to 900 miles (1,667 km).
The UK's decision to acquire nuclear-capable fighter jets is seen as a stopgap measure until the RAF can field its next-generation fighter, known as the Tempest. The Tempest is being developed jointly with Japan and Italy, and it is expected to have a much greater operational range than current British aircraft.
Critics argue that the procurement of F-35As is simply a short-term solution until the Tempest becomes available. However, others believe that this decision will provide a significant boost to the RAF's long-range strike force.
The MoD has emphasized that the purchase of 12 F-35A fighter jets will enhance the UK's defense capabilities and strengthen its position within NATO. The aircraft will be used primarily for training purposes on 207 Squadron, the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), but they may also be used to carry nuclear weapons in times of crisis.
The decision to acquire nuclear-capable fighter jets has sparked debate among defense experts and politicians. Some have raised concerns about the compatibility issues with RAF tankers, while others have emphasized the benefits of this procurement decision.
In a statement, Maria Eagle, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, said that the UK is committed to buying 138 F-35s as part of its long-term strategy for fighter jet acquisition. The new tranche includes both 12 F-35A and another 15 F-35B aircraft.
We asked the MoD if the procurement of F-35As would result in the purchase of B61 nuclear bombs from the US, or if the weapons would come from a shared NATO stockpile. However, the MoD declined to answer these questions.
The acquisition of nuclear-capable fighter jets is a significant development in the UK's defense modernization efforts. While there are some compatibility issues with RAF tankers, other NATO countries will be able to refuel the F-35A fighters during times of crisis or conflict. The procurement of 12 F-35As will provide a boost to the RAF's long-range strike force and strengthen the country's position within NATO.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/UK-Acquires-Nuclear-Capable-F-35As-Due-to-Incompatibility-with-RAF-Tankers-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/06/26/uk_f_35a_refuel_hitch/
Published: Thu Jun 26 05:03:55 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
