A viable air-launched deterrent needs more than twelve aircraft

Is there a useful role for air-launched nuclear weapons in the RAF?

Yes in principle, but twelve F-35As leave too few available aircraft and impose a complicated basing, arming, and refuelling chain.

An air-launched option can have value with enough aircraft, but a twelve-aircraft squadron might have only four to six available once its normal workload is considered. Even eight available aircraft is treated as a generous assumption. A hypothetical nuclear cruise-missile option would also require Britain to develop suitable warheads and missiles or seek support from France or the United States. Aircraft would have to reach the weapons, arm, and potentially refuel before carrying out the mission. The example of two missiles per aircraft and two per target illustrates how quickly a small force's target capacity diminishes. A B-21 purchase is raised as a much more substantial alternative requiring a corresponding financial commitment.