The decision means that Britain’s air force will have a nuclear role for the first time since the end of the Cold War.

The United Kingdom is to purchase 12 F-35A jets, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, from the United States. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make the announcement during Wednesday’s NATO summit, as he calls on NATO members to do more to support the alliance.

Britain says it will buy the 12 Lockheed Martin-designed F-35As to shore up its defenses against Russia and hedge against a U.S. drawdown in Europe.