The UK Royal Air Force is actively assessing whether to expand its future nuclear-capable F-35A fleet beyond the confirmed order of 12 aircraft as it prepares to regain an air-launched nuclear weapons capability within the next decade. Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck, RAF Director Capability & Programmes, stated at the Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference in London on 15 July 2026 that the service is working to determine its total future fleet requirement for the NATO Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear-sharing mission. While the 12 F-35As are confirmed under the Defence Investment Plan to replace non-nuclear-capable F-35Bs, the total number required for the nuclear mission remains under review, with potential acquisition of additional F-35As to carry US-supplied B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs. Delivery schedules for the UK’s next batch of F-35s are paused until the early 2030s pending final fleet size determination.