Estonia says it could base British F-35A jets as tensions rise.

Estonia’s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, said Tallinn is open to hosting allied forces, including future British F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, in comments published on 23 September. He framed the stance as part of Estonia’s wider readiness to accommodate NATO deployments.

The signal comes days after three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on 19 September, remaining for about 12 minutes before leaving. Estonia said the jets crossed without permission; Russia denied any violation. The incursion added to strains after a Russian drone briefly entered Romanian airspace and others were downed over Poland.

The United Kingdom, one of NATO’s three nuclear powers alongside the United States and France, has outlined plans to buy at least 12 U.S.-made F-35A aircraft by year-end. Unlike the F-35Bs already in British service, the A variant can carry B61 nuclear bombs as well as conventional munitions.

Estonia, which borders Russia, has no fighter fleet and relies on NATO air policing, including British rotations. A source linked to the UK military suggested London might ultimately avoid basing nuclear-capable jets in Estonia, arguing such a move could provoke rather than deter.

Pevkur previously said in June that Estonia was prepared to host NATO aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, drawing Kremlin criticism. He has warned that Russian provocations aim to divert allies from supporting Ukraine, while stressing NATO will use force if necessary but should act with caution.

Source: Kyiv Independent