US to retain control of nuclear bombs on UK F-35A jets
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Defence Minister Lord Coaker clarified that while the UK controls the deployment and use of its F-35A aircraft, any American nuclear warheads they may carry under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements would remain under US custody and require US authorisation for release.

UK Defense Minister Coaker addressed the House of Lords, outlining details of Britain’s acquisition of U.S.-made F-35 jets.

Key points:

▫️ Britain will independently maintain and modify its future fighters;

▫️ Authorization for nuclear weapons use remains with the U.S.;

▫️ Acquiring F-35A jets is “part of NATO’s nuclear mission”;

▫️ By March 2026, the UK will add 27 more jets: 12 F-35A and 15 F-35B;

▫️ Cocker called the U.S. Britain’s “most critical ally.”