The United Kingdom’s defense strategy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is reportedly exploring the reintroduction of air-launched nuclear weapons into the Royal Air Force (RAF). This move, if confirmed, would mark the most substantial change in the UK’s nuclear posture since the end of the Cold War.
The speculation arises ahead of the release of the UK’s Strategic Defense Review (SDR), scheduled for June 2. The SDR, led by former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, along with Dr. Fiona Hill and General Sir Richard Barrons, is expected to outline a comprehensive transformation of Britain’s defense posture in response to escalating global threats, particularly from Russia and China .
The review reportedly contains 62 recommendations, all accepted by the government, focusing on enhancing nuclear deterrent capabilities, modernizing the armed forces, and bolstering cyber and intelligence operations. Key measures include a £15 billion investment in nuclear deterrence, increasing the army to 100,000 personnel, procurement of more F-35 jets, new submarines, and the creation of advanced cyber and “digital warfighter” units .
Central to the speculation is the potential acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II aircraft, which is capable of delivering tactical nuclear weapons. The UK has previously ordered 48 F-35B variants, designed for short take-off and vertical landing, primarily for aircraft carrier operations. However, reports suggest that the UK is in talks with the United States to purchase the F-35A variant, which has been certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb .
The B61-12 is a low-yield, thermonuclear gravity bomb known for its precision, owing to a controlled tail rudder that allows for accurate targeting. The bomb carries a 50-kiloton warhead and is part of NATO’s nuclear sharing program, which permits US-owned nuclear weapons to be hosted in non-nuclear NATO countries for deterrence purposes.
RAF Lakenheath, operated by the US Air Force under British regulations, has been at the center of discussions regarding the potential hosting of B61-12 bombs. The base, which previously hosted US nuclear weapons until their withdrawal in 2008, is undergoing significant modernization to support the F-35A aircraft and potentially the storage of nuclear weapons .
US Department of Defense documents have indicated plans to construct a “surety dormitory” at RAF Lakenheath, a term commonly associated with facilities designed to securely store nuclear weapons. While the US maintains a policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons at specific locations, the construction of such facilities has fueled speculation about the return of nuclear weapons to UK soil .
The UK’s potential reintroduction of air-launched nuclear weapons would reverse a decision made by the Labour government in 1998 to retire such capabilities. At that time, the UK ceased using air-launched nuclear weapons, formalized by the withdrawal of the WE.177 free-fall nuclear bombs, in response to a diminished perception of nuclear threats following the end of the Cold War.
However, recent geopolitical developments, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasing tensions with China, have prompted a strategic reassessment. The SDR is expected to classify the threat posed by Russia as “immediate and pressing” and describe China as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge”.
The potential return of nuclear weapons to RAF Lakenheath has sparked public concern and protests. In 2022, demonstrators gathered outside the Suffolk base to express opposition to the possible deployment of US nuclear weapons on British soil. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has criticized the move, arguing that it undermines prospects for global peace and increases the likelihood of Britain becoming a target in a nuclear conflict .
Defense Secretary John Healey has refrained from commenting directly on the prospect of reintroducing air-launched nuclear weapons, instead reaffirming the importance of the UK’s existing Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile system as the cornerstone of its nuclear deterrent.
The SDR’s recommendations, including the potential acquisition of F-35A aircraft and the reintroduction of air-launched nuclear capabilities, signal a significant shift in the UK’s defense strategy. The review emphasizes the need for “war-fighting readiness” and modernization to counter threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, referred to as the “deadly quartet” .
While the government has committed to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching 3%, experts warn that such increases could pressure other areas of public investment. The SDR highlights the need to replace outdated equipment, expand cyber capabilities, and enhance the UK’s industrial base to support the proposed military enhancements .
As the UK navigates this “new era of threat,” the decisions made in the coming months will have profound implications for its defense posture, international relations, and role within NATO. The reintroduction of air-launched nuclear weapons, if pursued, would represent a historic shift in the nation’s approach to deterrence and military readiness.
