US plans nuclear deployment in UK amid rising Russia threat: Report

PTC News Desk: According to documents from the Pentagon cited by The Telegraph, the United States is contemplating the deployment of nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom for the first time in 15 years. The proposal involves stationing nuclear warheads, possessing three times the destructive capacity of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

In 2008, the U.S. removed its nuclear missiles from the UK, believing that the Cold War threat from Russia had diminished. However, recent concerns of a potential conflict with Russia have prompted a reconsideration. Procurement contracts for a new nuclear weapons facility at the Lakenheath airbase have been revealed in Pentagon documents.

This move coincides with heightened fears of a war involving Russia and NATO member countries, with the UK being a part of the alliance. The initiative to station U.S. nuclear warheads in the UK aligns with a broader NATO strategy to enhance and update nuclear sites in response to Russia's perceived threats, particularly following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Earlier this week, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the outgoing head of the British army, urged preparations for a possible conflict with Russia, suggesting that 45,000 reservists and citizens should be readied to bolster the country's military strength. Similar calls for a citizen army were echoed by Admiral Rob Bauer, a senior NATO military official, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Strategic shift unveiled: U.S. plans nuclear Arsenal at UK base amidst modernisation efforts

Amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia, the United States is reportedly considering the deployment of nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. Despite the UK government's policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons at specific locations, recent activities at Lakenheath suggest preparations for potential housing of B61-12 gravity bombs, capable of a variable yield of up to 50 kilotons, as reported by The Telegraph.

The B61-12 bombs, more than three times as powerful as the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, are part of a comprehensive modernisation initiative, replacing older B61-3/4 bombs. The deployment of these advanced weapons is expected to coincide with nuclear-capable F-35A Lightning II jets being stationed at the base. U.S. Defence Department documents indicate imminent plans for a "nuclear mission" at RAF Lakenheath, a site historically associated with housing nuclear weapons during the Cold War. The Pentagon has reportedly ordered new equipment for the base, including ballistic shields designed to protect military personnel from potential attacks on "high value assets." Construction of a new housing facility for U.S. forces at the site is set to commence in June.

In a broader strategic move, Washington has already slated the stationing of two squadrons of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets at RAF Lakenheath, further equipped to carry the advanced B61-12 bombs. This decision aligns with U.S. President Joe Biden's commitment to "enhance our force posture in Europe to respond to the change in the security environment."

Last October, U.S. officials sought Congressional approval for the development of a new B61 bomb with a higher payload, emphasizing the need for more powerful weapons to provide the president with "additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets," according to The Telegraph.

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Russia's stern warning: Potential US nuclear deployment at RAF lakenheath raises escalation concerns

In response to revelations within a US budget document outlining plans for a $50 million dormitory for U.S. forces at RAF Lakenheath, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova issued a stark warning last year. Zakharova declared that Moscow would interpret such actions as an "escalation" and respond with countermeasures to the proposed initiative of setting up nuclear weapons on British soil.

"If this step is ever taken, we will view it as escalation, as a step toward escalation that would take things in a direction quite opposite to addressing the pressing issue of removing all nuclear weapons from European countries," she asserted. Zakharova contextualised the situation within the broader shift of the U.S. and NATO towards an openly confrontational stance, describing it as a move towards inflicting a 'strategic defeat' on Russia. She emphasised that such practices and developments compel Russia to implement compensating countermeasures aimed at reliably protecting the security interests of the country and its allies.

U.S. maintains nuclear presence across NATO allies; upgrades routine, says Pentagon Official

Under the NATO nuclear-sharing arrangement, the United States currently has nuclear warheads positioned in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey, forming a critical aspect of the alliance's strategic defense network.

A Pentagon official, responding to queries about recent upgrades and activities, clarified, "The U.S. routinely upgrades its military facilities in allied nations. Unclassified administrative budget documents often accompany such activities." Emphasising the routine nature of these upgrades, the official stated that these documents are neither predictive of, nor intended to disclose specific details regarding posture or basing arrangements. The official reiterated the long-standing U.S. policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence or absence of nuclear weapons at any general or specific location.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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