The British Royal Air Force (RAF) will be equipped with twelve new fifth generation F-35a fighters, as part of the revision of the security and defense strategy of the United Kingdom. The acquisition represents an important step towards the construction of a more lethal and interoperable integrated force, capable of dissuading, fighting and winning against modern threats.
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The British F-35a will be available for NATO nuclear mission mission in case of crisis, deepening the contribution of the United Kingdom to the nuclear sharing agreements of the alliance. The introduction of the aircraft marks the return of the RAF to the role of aerial nuclear deterrence for the first time since the end of the Cold War, when the country has withdrawn its nuclear weapons at aerial launch.
“The threat we face today is more serious and less predictable than any other moment from the Cold War. We are faced with a war in Europe, a growing Russian aggression, new nuclear risks and daily computer attacks. Equipping the RAF of the F-35a demonstrates our unwavering commitment towards the ‘NATO First’ principle,” said the head of Staff of the Air Force, a Sir Richton air marshal.
Expansion of the F-35 fleet and modernization of the RAF
As part of the second phase of the purchase of 27 aircraft, the United Kingdom will acquire a combination of twelve F-35A and fifteen F-35B, with further acquisitions provided for by the defense investment plan. The country maintains the declared intention to purchase up to 138 units in the F-35 program.
In daily operations, the F-35a will be made by Squadron 207, the unit responsible for the operational conversion (OCU). The greater fuel capacity and the lower need for maintenance than the F-35B will allow several hours of flight per sortie, improving the training of pilots and accelerating their passage to first-line squadrons.
“The assignment of the F-35a to the ECU was a deliberate choice. It offers more flight time for mission and requires less maintenance, reducing the time necessary to form new drivers and strengthening our ability to generate force for naval and aerial operations,” said the vice-marshal of the air beck, director of skills and programs.
Strategic integration and interoperability with NATO
Designed to operate from conventional slopes, the F-35a offers greater autonomy, greater loading capacity and superior maneuverability. The new aircraft will be based at Raf Marham and will support the creation of a third operating squadron of F-35 Lightning.
In addition, the AF-35 version is the most common of the European allies, making the model a true strength multiplier for NATO, strengthening joint deterrence and the ability to respond to current and future challenges.
The Typhoon will continue to play a fundamental role in the composition of the British combat air force. The integration between Typhoon, F-35A, F-35B and future hunting of the GCAP program, together with autonomous systems, aims to consolidate a modern Raf, ready to defend the United Kingdom skies and operate efficiently globally.
Source: Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom / RAF. Images: Press Office / RAF. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and overhauled by the editorial team.
