As reported by the UK Defence Journal
The United States has deployed tactical nuclear weapons on British soil for the first time since 2008. Several thermonuclear bombs were delivered to the Royal Air Force base at Lakenheath in Suffolk, according to sources.
This week, thermonuclear B61-12 gravity bombs arrived at the Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk County. It is believed that these munitions were transported from the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center located at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico to a new secure storage facility in the United Kingdom.
Officially, the U.S. Department of Defense has not confirmed this information, and the UK Ministry of Defence typically does not comment on the presence of nuclear weapons at specific military sites.
The B61-12 is a modernized tactical nuclear bomb with adjustable explosive yield and precision guidance. It is designed for use on various platforms, including the F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. The 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath includes the 493rd and 495th Fighter Squadrons, which already operate the F-35A and are among the first in Europe to do so.
During the Cold War, American nuclear weapons were also stationed at Lakenheath, but the last known removal took place in 2008 following extensive reductions related to disarmament in Europe. The return of such weapons could mark a significant shift in NATO’s nuclear strategy on the European theater, especially amid deteriorating relations with Russia and an increased focus on deterrence.
The restoration of nuclear weapons storage capabilities at Lakenheath was documented as early as 2022 in U.S. budget documents, which noted infrastructure upgrades in preparation for nuclear missions.
Neither the U.S. Air Force nor UK officials have provided comments regarding this week’s deployment.
We recommend paying attention to: