U.K. to reintroduce nuclear weapon-capable aircraft under NATO

Britain will reintroduce fighter jets capable of carrying atomic weapons to support NATO’s nuclear mission, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said, as he prepares for a NATO summit Wednesday.

The country will purchase 12 nuclear weapon-capable F-35A fighters, expanding the country’s deterrence arsenal, which is currently limited to submarine-launched missiles.

“These F35 dual-capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the U.K. and our Allies,” Starmer said in a statement on Tuesday.