The Guardian reported on 22/7 that the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and several experts believe the US likely deployed B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs to Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk, eastern England, last week.

William Alberque, former director of the NATO Arms Control, Disarmament and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre, stated there is "clear evidence" to support this conclusion.

Civilian aviation tracking data shows a C-17 transport aircraft took off from Kirtland airbase in New Mexico, US, on 16/7 and landed at Lakenheath the next day. The flight was operated by the 62nd Airlift Wing, the only US air force unit authorized to transport nuclear weapons.

A US F-35 fighter jet releases a B61-12 bomb during a 2021 test. Photo: JPO

Kirtland airbase houses the US Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and is a key nuclear weapons storage facility, holding approximately 2,500 warheads.

Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, believes this move signifies the first increase in US tactical nuclear weapons in Europe since the Cold War, from roughly 100 bombs to 125-130. "It also suggests NATO has changed its policy of not using nuclear weapons in response to Russian actions," he said.

Russia has repeatedly issued nuclear warnings to deter the West since the Ukraine conflict began in early 2022.

When asked for comment, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson reiterated the long-standing policy of London and NATO to "neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a specific location". A US official said Washington does not comment on the "status or location of strategic assets".

If confirmed, this would be the first US deployment of nuclear weapons on British soil in 17 years. Washington withdrew all nuclear weapons from the UK in 2008 in an effort to ease tensions with Moscow.

This news comes nearly a month after UK officials announced the purchase of 12 F-35A stealth fighters capable of carrying B-61 tactical nuclear bombs, as part of the "largest in a generation" plan to expand its nuclear deterrent capabilities.

The decision would give the Royal Air Force its first nuclear weapons capability in decades. However, it will be several years before the deal is completed.

Europe has intensified rearmament efforts in response to security threats following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. At last month's summit, NATO members pledged to increase annual defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% dedicated to core defense needs.

Pham Giang (According to Guardian, Newsweek)