Conclusion 7

The United Kingdom has committed to acquiring a sub-strategic nuclear capability to enhance deterrence, although how this aligns with the security of the High North is less clear. To ensure the capability is effective it will probably be necessary for the RAF to occasionally rehearse forward deploying the nuclear-capable F-35A aircraft to the High North. Recipient countries will, therefore, need to be fully aligned and supportive of Britain’s extended deterrence strategy. Uniquely, the UK already declares its existing nuclear forces to NATO, but despite consuming over a fifth of the defence budget the MOD does not maximise the political and economic value of this considerable financial and military commitment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)