The Vulcan was one of three strategic bombers, known as V bombers, used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1956 to 1965. It formed part of the United Kingdom's airborne nuclear deterrent during the height of the Cold War until replaced by the Royal Navy's Polaris.

Like the B52, the Vulcan was capable of carrying both nuclear weapons and conventional bombs. It relied on its high speed to avoid detection by the Russians and could also carry out long-range missions. The Vulcan carried Britain's first nuclear weapon: 'The Blue Danube'.

At RAF airbases across Britain during the Cold War, two Vulcans per base were loaded with nuclear weapons and on permanent standby, ready for an attack by the Soviet Union. The highest state of alert for the Vulcan crews came during the Cuban Missile Crisis.