UK presses forward with American F‑35 purchase amidst European concerns
Despite concerns from European allies about excessive dependence on Washington for weaponry, the United Kingdom plans to purchase F-35A fighters from the USA, reported "The Times," citing military sources.
American F-35s are set to partially replace Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which first entered service with the British Air Force over 20 years ago. The Royal Air Force plans to retire 49 of these Eurofighter aircraft.
Previously, London ordered 48 F-35B fighters for two Royal Navy aircraft carriers.
According to "The Times" sources, the United Kingdom will continue to participate in producing the Eurofighter Typhoon for export, mainly to Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The United Kingdom manufactures about 15 per cent of the components.
As noted by "The Times," F-35A fighters can carry nuclear payloads. In December, "The Daily Telegraph" reported that the United States might deploy tactical nuclear weapons at the Lakenheath military base in Suffolk County, eastern England, in the coming years.
Approximately 10,000 American soldiers are stationed in the United Kingdom across more than 10 bases.
In early March, the German newspaper "Bild" reported on Berlin's concerns about the F-35A fighters purchased for the German Air Force at a cost of about CAD 12.3 billion, which might be equipped with a remote deactivation system (Kill Switch) controlled by the USA.
