The UK government has confirmed funding for 12 F-35A fighters, restoring the Royal Air Force’s air-delivered nuclear role for the first time since the WE.177 bomb retired in 1998. These dual-capable aircraft, certified to carry US B61-12 nuclear bombs, will join NATO’s airborne nuclear mission alongside the existing Trident submarine deterrent. Based at RAF Marham, the F-35As complement the 48 F-35Bs already delivered, advancing the planned fleet of 138 jets. While the bombs remain US property with release authority in Washington, the acquisition marks the largest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, enabling day-to-day intelligence gathering and combat support with operational nuclear delivery capability.