Britain risks violating its nuclear disarmament commitments if it proceeds with the planned acquisition of 12 F-35A fighter jets for £1 billion, according to a legal analysis commissioned by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
Two international legal experts argue that the government’s move to restore air-based nuclear capabilities for the Royal Air Force would contravene a critical provision of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), to which the UK and 190 other nations are party.
Prof Christine Chinkin and Dr Louise Arimatsu from the London School of Economics contend that the plan breaches Article VI of the treaty, accusing ministers of hypocrisy in expanding the country’s nuclear arsenal.
In an article published ahead of Labour’s annual conference, they stated: “Opting for the F-35A over other aircraft models is driven by its ability to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, allowing the RAF to regain a nuclear role for the first time since 1998.”
“Reviving this capability undermines the UK’s longstanding dedication to nuclear disarmament, including its obligations under the NPT.”
Article VI of the treaty requires signatories to engage in good-faith negotiations toward halting the nuclear arms race and achieving complete disarmament.
Though the legal assessment—prepared for CND—was expected given the group’s stance, it underscores an increasing clash between international treaty obligations and the global trend of nuclear rearmament.
During a NATO summit in June, Keir Starmer confirmed the UK would acquire 12 F-35As to participate in the alliance’s nuclear operations. In a major conflict, these jets could potentially use U.S. B61-12 nuclear bombs stored at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Four years ago, the UK announced it would raise its warhead stockpile limit by 40% to 260 for its Trident submarine-based deterrent—the first increase since the Cold War.
Sophie Bolt, CND’s general secretary, accused the government of further violating international law and heightening global nuclear risks. She urged MPs to scrutinize the decision, noting the absence of parliamentary debate before the F-35A purchase was confirmed.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that the new jets would strengthen national security while affirming the UK’s adherence to NPT obligations and its long-term vision of a nuclear-free world.
Meanwhile, other nations are also bolstering their nuclear arsenals and capabilities amid escalating international tensions.
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