Fleet proposes an air-launched nuclear capability in case American nuclear support for European allies becomes unreliable. Clarke questions its advantage over a sea-launched deterrent and stresses Britain's emphasis on a force intended to respond after an attack. Their disagreement also distinguishes weapons held for wartime aircraft use from routine airborne nuclear patrols. Aircraft accidents can leave a lost weapon or damaged casing in a populated area and create political consequences without a nuclear detonation. Integrating a new weapon with the F-35 would still require American assistance, prompting Eurofighter as an alternative aircraft to consider.
Notable Point · 1:03:29-1:08:17
Tradeoffs in an air-launched nuclear deterrent
A proposed air-launched replacement for American nuclear support faces objections over British second-strike doctrine, accident risks, and dependence on US aircraft integration.