Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

F-35 Aircraft: Nuclear Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, paragraph 73, by what year he plans to join the NATO Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission.

Answer

The delivery profile and date of F-35A aircraft is subject to negotiation between the UK and multinational Joint Program Office, but the UK anticipates taking delivery of the next batch of F-35 aircraft from the early 2030s. This will include 12 F-35As, which will allow the UK to join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) mission.

We will continue to work closely with the US, whose nuclear weapons are allocated to the NATO DCA mission, and our other NATO Allies on the timeline for doing so.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18244
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Nuclear weapons F-35 aircraft NATO
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

F-35 Aircraft: Nuclear Weapons

Secondary information

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