US Nuclear Weapons Reportedly Redeployed to UK for First Time Since 2008

The United States has redeployed several B61-12 thermonuclear bombs to the Royal Air Force’s Lakenheath base in Suffolk, marking the first time since 2008 that American nuclear weapons have been stationed in the UK. This move aligns with the UK's plans to purchase a new squadron of F-35A jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, reintroducing a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War. The transfer was reportedly made from the US Air Force’s Kirtland nuclear weapons center to a newly built secure facility at Lakenheath, although neither US nor UK officials have confirmed the deployment publicly. The Kremlin has expressed concern and is monitoring the situation closely, viewing it as part of escalating tensions and increased NATO military activity near Russia's borders. The UK government has also announced a strategic defense review that includes increasing military spending and modernizing its nuclear arsenal to match perceived threats from Russia and China. Meanwhile, nuclear disarmament advocates warn that such nuclear sharing arrangements increase the risk of conflict escalation.