In recent weeks, significant changes have occurred in the field of international security. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The United States Air Force has deployed B61-12 thermonuclear bombs at the Lakenheath (Suffolk) airbase in the UK for the first time. This was reported by the UK Defence Journal on July 20, based on an analysis by OSINTDefender.
According to the information, the bombs were brought from the Kirtland airbase in New Mexico, USA, using a C-17A Globemaster aircraft. On July 17, this aircraft landed at the Suffolk airbase, carrying the first batch of B61-12 bombs intended for deployment in Europe.
This information has not yet been confirmed by official sources. The US Department of Defense did not comment on the transfer of nuclear weapons, while the British Ministry of Defence stated that it generally does not comment on the presence of nuclear weapons at specific locations.
Historically, during the Cold War, American nuclear bombs were stored at the Lakenheath airbase, but they were removed in 2008. If the return of the bombs is confirmed, it will be seen as a fundamental change in NATO's policy in Europe against the backdrop of tensions with Russia.
The B61-12 bomb is the first guided and modern thermonuclear weapon in the US nuclear arsenal. This modification is the latest type in the B61 bomb family, which has been developed since the 1960s.
In 2022, Politico reported that the US was rapidly replacing old nuclear weapons in Europe with modern ones. In 2023, the Pentagon announced plans to further modernize the B61-12 bombs due to "enhanced enemy threats," transitioning to the B61-13 version.
Experts assess this step as the beginning of a new era of inequality among global nuclear powers. Analysts believe that this event will significantly impact the security balance in the European region and will initiate a new phase in relations between NATO and Russia.
Any changes in the number and location of nuclear weapons will remain a source of serious challenges and new concerns for the entire world. Therefore, these processes are being closely monitored.
