O P D LX !: UK N U C LEAR WARHEAD CAPABILITY AND PROSPECTS FO R COOPERATION WITH FRANCE AND THE US

This minute contains feedback from the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) on the draft OPD(N) paper titled "UK Nuclear Warhead Capability and Prospects for Cooperation with France and the US." While the paper broadly supports the recommended option for maintaining a minimum level of UK nuclear capability, CAS raises a key concern: Risk to Perceived Independence: The RAF believes that the proposed option implies a high degree of UK dependence on the United States for maintaining the nuclear deterrent. CAS warns that if this position were to become public—as tends to happen—it could fuel criticism and cast doubt on the true independence of the UK deterrent. Recommendation for Revision: CAS suggests that the draft paper should give more weight to this issue of dependence and its potential reputational impact. Further Clarifications Requested: CAS supports ACA S’s proposal that the paper include: Indicative cost estimates for the different options listed in paragraph 6 of the main paper. A clearer explanation of what is meant by the “disproportionately longer time” it would take to rebuild a national warhead programme if capability is reduced now.