Why is the UK buying nuclear-carrying fighter jets?

This Is Why

Sky News

News, Daily News, News Commentary

4.0 • 552 Ratings

🗓️ 25 June 2025

⏱️ 19 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

The government has announced it is purchasing at least 12 new F-35 stealth jets that can carry nuclear warheads. It's a move that's been described by Downing Street as the most significant strengthening of the nation's nuclear capability in a generation.

So, what are these jets? And why is the UK expanding its nuclear capability?

Sarah-Jane Mee speaks to Dr Thomas Withington, an award-winning analyst and expert in air defence, to understand just how big a change in defence spending this is, what the move means for the UK in NATO, and what it tells us about the shift to make the country war ready.

Producer: Natalie Ktena
Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcript

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