The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has officially transitioned its F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to fulfill NATO’s nuclear deterrence role, marking a significant evolution in the alliance’s defense strategy.

This move positions the Dutch F-35A squadron as the first European force to be fully operational with this advanced capability, effectively taking over from the F-16 Fighting Falcon and showcasing the aircraft’s dual-capable nature to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.

This transition not only reflects the Netherlands’ staunch commitment to NATO’s deterrence policy but also amplifies the strategic posture of the alliance, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia.

The F-35A’s ability to deploy the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb, a modernized version with enhanced precision-guidance capabilities, strengthens NATO’s extended deterrence commitments and offers a new level of operational capability against potential threats.

The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) spokesman, Russ Goemaere, highlighted the milestone, stating, “The F-35A is the first 5th generation nuclear capable aircraft ever, and the first new platform (fighter or bomber) to achieve this status since the early 1990s.”

The certification of the F-35A arrived ahead of schedule, demonstrating the culmination of over a decade of concerted efforts across the nuclear enterprise.

This achievement is not merely about modernizing equipment; it represents a quantum leap in strategic defense. The B61-12, designed with a new guidance package that includes an inertial navigation system (INS) for precision strikes, now enables the F-35A to strike with unprecedented accuracy.

Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project with the Federation of American Scientists, noted the importance of this integration, saying, “The stage is set for the tactical nuclear weapons upgrade in Europe with full-scale production of the B61-12 and four NATO allies and the US fighter wing at Lakenheath upgrading to operate the bomb on the F-35A.”

NATO’s recalibration of its nuclear capabilities comes at a time when deterrence has regained a central role in maintaining peace and security in Europe.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense emphasized that “NATO’s nuclear deterrence is essential to the security of the Alliance, and therefore also to the security of the Netherlands.

The fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.”

The B61-12’s integration into NATO forces enhances the F-35A’s combat capability and solidifies its pivotal role in modern warfare.

While the operational details of F-35A squadrons and the distribution of B61-12 bombs across Europe remain classified, the readiness of these advanced fighters adds a complex layer to NATO’s defense posture and the strategic calculus of potential adversaries.

As the F-35A assumes its role as NATO’s nuclear spearhead, it’s poised to facilitate increased cooperation among member states, offering the ability to seamlessly integrate into joint missions.

The aircraft’s stealth technology and the precision of the B61-12 bomb embody the transformation of NATO’s deterrent capabilities, reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in an era of uncertainty.

Relevant articles:
– The F-35 Fighter is Now NATO’s Nuclear Bomber, The National Interest
– 35A officially certified to carry nuclear bomb, Breaking Defense
– Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role, The War Zone
– NATO’s nuclear deterrent just got more precise, Asia Times