The UK will purchase 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets from the United States.

The UK plans to purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons from the United States. This was announced on June 24 in a press release on the website of the Government of the United Kingdom.

"The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join the NATO nuclear mission using dual—use aircraft, which will be a major boost to national security," the statement said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the decision during the NATO summit scheduled for June 25. It is specified that 15% of the components of the global supply chain will be based in the UK, which will save 20,000 jobs.

"The new fast aircraft will be based at RAF Marham, and the government is expected to purchase 138 F35 aircraft over the life of the program. The purchase of 12 F-35A aircraft instead of 12 F-35B aircraft will provide the taxpayer with savings of up to 25% per aircraft," the government noted.

The acquired equipment will be used as part of the NATO mission to create dual-use aircraft and strengthen the alliance's military deterrence capabilities.

"In an era of radical uncertainty, we can no longer take the world for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security by ensuring that our armed forces are equipped with everything they need," Starmer said.

Fighter of discord: The United States wanted to supply Turkey with the F-35

In response, Washington offers Ankara to take apart the S-400s purchased from Moscow.

On June 10, the CBC TV channel learned about the increase in the price of the Canadian F-35 purchase program by almost $ 6.5 billion. It is reported that this cost does not include providing the necessary infrastructure for servicing fighter jets — it may cost at least an additional $ 5.5 billion.