UK to buy nuclear-capable aircraft

Britain is reintroducing fighter jets capable of carrying tactical atomic
weapons to support NATO’s airborne nuclear mission


LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35 LIGHTNING II
U.S.-made stealth jet – UK buying 12 of F-35A variant

F-35A can carry
conventional weapons
or nuclear bombs


F-35A specifications
Length	15.7m
Speed	Mach 1.6
Range	2,200km
Payload	8,160kg


B61-12 nuclear bomb: NATO’s nuclear mission
involves allied aircraft being equipped with U.S.
bombs stockpiled in Europe

Length: 3.6m

Tail kit: Guides
bomb to target

Low yield warhead: Intended
for battlefield use

F-35B specifications
Length	15.5m
Speed	Mach 1.6
Range	1,667km
Payload	6,800kg

F-35B variant, currently operated by RAF and
Royal Navy, has shorter range
and carries fewer weapons

Aircraft
not able
to carry
nuclear
bombs 

Fan propulsion system allows for
short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL)

UK expected
to buy total of
138 F-35 jets


Sources: BBC, FT, Royal Air Force 
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