Staff Reports
The United States is reportedly set to deploy nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom for the first time since 2008, according to government documents cited by the BBC. The documents reveal that contracts have been awarded for facilities improvements at Royal Air Force base Lakenheath, with indications of preparations for an "upcoming nuclear mission." This development comes amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
RAF Lakenheath currently hosts the U.S. Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, operating F-15E Eagle and F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft. The F-35A has been tested for use with the latest variant of the B61-12 thermonuclear bomb, capable of a 340-kiloton yield, with the ability to deploy smaller yields if necessary.
US Nukes Reportedly on the Move as Threat Level Increases https://t.co/Ihd5IuEyQ8 pic.twitter.com/N5NaR2QHqR
— Home Defense Gun (@HomeDefenseGun) January 29, 2024
Contracts awarded for facilities improvements include a "Surety Dormitory" for the protection of nuclear weapons and the construction of "hardened ballistic security shelters" featuring bulletproof glass capable of stopping .30-caliber rifle bullets. These developments signal a potential escalation of nuclear capabilities in the region.
While the news has prompted concern and protests from groups like the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, both the U.S. and U.K. governments have not publicly commented on the matter. The U.K.'s Ministry of Defense cited longstanding NATO agreements as the reason for their silence, while the U.S. Air Force chose not to provide a statement.
Amid increasing tensions in Europe and the possibility of a broader conflict, both the U.K. and the U.S. are reinforcing their military forces. Last week, the outgoing head of the British army called for an expansion of the army with 45,000 reservists. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro warned of existing threats. Despite concerns, the U.K. reassured the public that there are currently no plans to initiate a draft, and its armed services will continue to rely on voluntary enlistees.
RAF Lakenheath, the largest U.S. Air Force-operated base in England, houses over 4,000 servicemen and women. With the potential deployment of nuclear weapons, the base becomes a more significant strategic hub in the region. The impact of this development on the delicate balance of power and ongoing conflicts in Europe remains to be seen.
