“UK Could Be Left Helpless Against Russian Nukes if US Support Fails, Expert Warns”
The UK depends on the US to design, build, and maintain its nuclear weapons. An expert has warned that if the US becomes unreliable, Britain could be left without protection from nuclear threats. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, a former UK Foreign Secretary, raised these concerns after relations between the US and Europe worsened following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.
Britain’s Trident nuclear system, which costs about £3 billion a year, has had several issues, including a failed test last year. The UK depends heavily on the US for its nuclear weapons, as they are made and maintained in America. Sir Malcolm suggested that Britain and France should work more closely together because if the US becomes unreliable, Europe could be at risk from threats like Russia.
Recently, the US decided to stop military aid and intelligence support for Ukraine, raising doubts about its reliability under Trump’s leadership. Sir Malcolm said that while this may not be an immediate issue, America’s support could become uncertain in the coming years.
The UK government insists that the US is still an important ally. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reinforced this in Parliament. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron recently acknowledged the possibility of a future where France cannot rely on the US, something that would have been unthinkable not long ago.
Experts warn that if relations between the UK and the US worsen, Britain’s ability to use its nuclear weapons could be severely affected. The UK’s reliance on the US is so significant that some question whether it truly has an independent nuclear system.
Hans Kristensen, a nuclear expert from the Federation of American Scientists, explained that although the UK can launch nuclear weapons without US approval, the key infrastructure—like missile compartments and the missiles themselves—are supplied by the US.
This uncertainty has led to calls for the UK to prepare backup plans in case its special relationship with the US weakens. Dr. Marion Messmer, a nuclear weapons expert from Chatham House, said the UK must have a strategy, even if it cannot openly discuss it.
She added that adapting UK nuclear warheads for different types of weapons would require significant investment, including new facilities and workforce planning. However, she suggested it could be a necessary step for Britain’s security.
