The Prime Minister will announce “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” at the NATO summit in the Hague, amid a huge push for Europe to rearm in the face of war in Europe and uncertainty over the reliability of the United States.
Britain will buy 12 F-35A jets and join Nato’s airborne nuclear mission. The jets can carry conventional weapons, but can also be equipped with nuclear bombs.
It comes as Nato allies are set to confirm a new target of 5 per cent spending across defence and security, bowing to pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has made it clear that he sees European allies as having been freeloading for decades.
Of the 5 per cent, 3.5 per cent is to be made up of “core” defence spending, with another 1.5 per cent being spent on wider security and resilience measures like critical infrastructure, border security and intelligence.
Asked by GB News yesterday how the Government would pay for the increase from its current target of spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence from 2027, the Prime Minister would not be drawn.
Though he did say he wanted to “reassure GB News viewers” that his manifesto promise “not to raise taxes on working people” remained.
Announcing the plans, Sir Keir Starmer said: “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my Government is investing in our national security, ensuring our armed forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend.”
The Royal Air Force has long pushed for the return of its nuclear capabilities.
Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a strengthening of the UK's nuclear deterrent at this week's Nato summit with the purchase of 12 new F-35A fighter jets
PA
Since the end of the Cold War, the UK’s nuclear deterrent has been carried wholly by submarines.
The Government is also promising four new submarines.
The PM says the move will create 20,000 jobs and support 100 businesses across Britain.
Starmer says the “F-35 dual-capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies.”
Keir Starmer speaking to media while visiting a Dutch marines training base
PA
GB News has been told that 15 per cent of the components of these jets will be made here in the UK.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that the decision followed the strategic defence review, and is because “we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals”.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the move, hailing it “yet another robust British contribution to Nato”.
Alongside the nuclear announcement, the UK is set to provide 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine as Starmer and Healey push for Nato to provide Kyiv with further support.
The delivery will be funded by £70million raised from the interest on seized Russian assets.
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