
In recent weeks, there has been a significant change in the field of international security: The US Air Force for the first time delivered B61-12 thermonuclear bombs to the Lakenheath Air Base (Suffolk, England), writes ukdefencejournal.org.uk. UK Defence Journal reported this on July 20, citing OSINTDefender analyst.
According to available information, the bombs were brought from Kirtland Air Base in New Mexico (USA) on a C-17A Globemaster aircraft. On July 17, this aircraft landed in Suffolk, carrying the first batch of B61-12 bombs intended for deployment in Europe.
This information has not yet been officially confirmed. The US Department of Defense did not comment on the movement of nuclear weapons, and the British military department stated that “they usually do not comment on the presence or absence of nuclear weapons in specific locations.”
Historically, during the Cold War, American nuclear bombs were already stored at Lakenheath Air Base, but in 2008 they were removed as part of disarmament processes. Now, if the reports about the return of the bombs are confirmed, it will be regarded as a major change in NATO's nuclear policy in Europe against the background of worsening relations with Russia, as well as an attempt to strengthen deterrence against Moscow.
The B61-12 bomb is the first guided, modern thermonuclear weapon in the US nuclear arsenal. This modification is the newest and most modern in the B61 bomb family, which has been developed since the 1960s. In 2022, Politico reported that the United States was rapidly replacing outdated nuclear munitions in Europe with modern ones, also due to threats of nuclear weapon use by Russian leadership.
In 2023, the Pentagon announced plans to upgrade the B61-12 to the B61-13 version due to “increasing threats from potential adversaries.” Experts say this move could mark the beginning of a new era of nuclear imbalance between global powers.
According to analysts, this event could have a significant impact on the security balance in Europe and open a new stage in relations between Russia and NATO. Any change in the number and deployment of nuclear weapons is a serious test and a source of new concerns for the entire world. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
Ctrl
Enter
Did you find a Mistake?
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+Enter Related News