In a significant and largely unconfirmed development, US nuclear weapons have reportedly returned to British soil for the first time since at least 2008. Multiple sources indicate that several B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs were transferred this week to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
These weapons are believed to have been flown from the US Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, to a newly built secure storage facility at the UK base. Neither the US Department of Defense nor the UK Ministry of Defence has publicly confirmed the transfer, with the MoD typically refraining from commenting on the presence or absence of nuclear weapons at specific sites.
The B61-12 is a modernised, low-yield tactical nuclear bomb featuring variable explosive power and precision guidance. It is compatible with a range of delivery platforms, including the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter. RAF Lakenheath’s 48th Fighter Wing operates the 493rd and 495th Fighter Squadrons, both flying the F-35A and among the first in Europe to do so.
During the Cold War, RAF Lakenheath hosted US nuclear weapons, but the last known removal of these arms from the base occurred in 2008, amid widespread disarmament efforts across Europe. The reported redeployment marks a notable shift in NATO’s nuclear posture in Europe, reflecting rising tensions with Russia and a renewed focus on deterrence.
Signs of the base’s renewed nuclear role emerged in 2022 when US budget documents detailed infrastructure upgrades at RAF Lakenheath consistent with preparations for nuclear mission readiness.
As of now, neither US nor UK officials have publicly commented on this week’s reported deployment, leaving questions about the strategic implications and timing of this move.
