British fighter jets are to carry nuclear weapons for the first time since the Cold War under a landmark deal announced by Keir Starmer.
The UK is to buy 12 American-made F-35A planes in a move which the government says will boost national security and support 20,000 jobs across the country.
The state-of-the-art aircraft can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.
Starmer, who will confirm the deal at the Nato summit in The Hague, 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.
“Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 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.”
The announcement comes amid rising global tensions, and a day after the government’s national security strategy warned the UK must prepare for a “wartime scenario” on home soil.
The last British aircraft to carry nuclear weapons was the RAF Tornado, which was retired in 1998 following the end of the Cold War.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said: “The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to Nato for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A.
“This is yet another robust British contribution to Nato.”
Starmer has already confirmed that the UK will boost its spending on defence and national security to 5% of its gross national product (GDP) by 2035.
