It’s still undecided when and how the Pentagon will incorporate nuclear weapons on the F-35, said Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements. Speaking with reporters after an AFA-sponsored speech Tuesday in Arlington, Va., Carlisle said making the F-35 a “dual-capable” aircraft is “a discussion for the future.” He declined to discuss specifics, saying only, “it’s still a decision to be made as to when we incorporate that into the F-35.” Carlisle’s comments echoed those made last fall by Maj. Gen. William Chambers, who oversees nuclear issues on the Air Staff. (For more Carlisle coverage, see: Reapers and Sentinels and F-35 Numbers.)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.