The UK's Changing Nuclear Deterrent
The UK is Adapting its Deterrence with 12 F-35As and Sub-strategic Weapons
Last week, UK Minister for Defence Procurement Luke Pollard confirmed that the UK will be purchasing 12 F-35A aircraft to be armed with US-owned B-61 gravity bombs, operating under NATO's Dual-Capable Aircraft mission.
While Pollard was careful to note that this meant the UK was not expanding its sovereign nuclear deterrent beyond its submarine-based capabilities, in reality it provides the UK with another rung on the escalation ladder, albeit not a sovereign capability.
At Arcipel, we analyse strategic issues, risk and security on a daily basis. We are currently preparing a series of tabletop exercises through the Ministry of Defence's Nuclear Deterrence Fund that will assess the UK's deterrent. Mapping the UK's changing deterrent and strategic environment, as in the graphic below, is thus a key area of interest for our analysts.
In a rapidly changing world, it's vital to remain informed on key areas of risk. Stay ahead of the game with Arcipel.
