The United States is planning to station nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom for the first time in over 15 years amid escalating tensions with Russia.
The Lakenheath Royal Air Force base in Suffolk is reportedly being upgraded to store American nuclear weapons, including B61-12 gravity bombs.
This decision comes amidst increasing warnings about the potential of a hot war between NATO and Russia.
“Unclassified administrative budget documents often accompany such activities. These documents are not predictive of, nor are they intended to disclose any specific posture or basing details. It is US policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence or absence of nuclear weapons at any general or specific location,” a Defense Department spokesman stated.
The UK’s top military commander has suggested preparatory steps for a war footing, including the possibility of a “citizen army,” while Estonia and Sweden have also expressed concerns about a Russian attack.
“It remains a longstanding UK and Nato policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a given location,” a UK Ministry of Defense spokesman said.
The Pentagon attempted to downplay the report, stating that the U.S. routinely upgrades its military facilities in allied nations, but the news has raised concerns in Russia, with a Kremlin spokesman warning of potential “countermeasures” if the U.S. proceeds with housing nuclear weapons in Britain.
