F-35 Aircraft: Procurement
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications of the procurement of 12 F‑35A aircraft on (a) public spending priorities, (b) nuclear proliferation risks, and (c) the UK's obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Answered by Luke Pollard
As part of our NATO First approach to deterrence and defence, we are committed to strengthening NATO’s nuclear mission and ensuring the Alliance’s posture remains fit for purpose across the entire spectrum of conflict.
The nuclear weapons allocated to the NATO dual capable aircraft nuclear mission are US nuclear weapons. The US retains control and custody over them, in full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Cost differences associated with the swap from F-35B to F-35A in logistics, infrastructure and training are understood and have been considered in cost estimates.
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