The UK government is to purchase 12 new fighter jets which can be equipped with nuclear bombs, and join Nato's airborne nuclear mission. Downing Street says the move is "the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation".

Britain said it would buy a dozen F-35A fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons in what it described as the biggest expansion of its nuclear deterrent in a generation.

THE HAGUE/LONDON -- Britain will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear bombs to join NATO's nuclear mission, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Wednesday.