Britain's Defence Ministry issued a warning to Moscow

The United Kingdom has begun negotiations with the United States on the possible purchase of F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying thermonuclear weapons - in particular, B61-12 bombs. This is reported by The Times with reference to high-ranking sources in the government. According to them, London decided to take such a step against the backdrop of the growing threat from Russia.

The initiative has already been supported by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The acquisition of these aircraft is expected to be the biggest change in the UK's nuclear strategy since the Cold War.

Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the new investment in national security would "send a strong message to hostile states".

It is also a message to Moscow. It's Britain behind strengthening our Armed Forces and also strengthening our industrial base, and it's part of our readiness to fight if we have to, but it's a force with which we can deter those fights in the future," he stated.

The UK had earlier ordered 48 F-35B fighter jets from the US to equip two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, of which 47 have already entered service. Unlike them, the F-35A Lightning have an extended range - up to 1,400 kilometres - and will become the second element of the British nuclear deterrent system. These aircraft can be used in conflicts that do not involve a full-scale war, and be promptly deployed directly to the theatre of operations. In addition, the F-35A will partially replace the aging European Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, 49 of which are scheduled to be decommissioned.

The British government has also announced that it will spend £1.5 billion on at least six new defence plants and create 1,800 jobs across the UK.