According to “Bloomberg”, on July 16, a US military plane, equipped with a transponder enabling tracking of its route, took off from the Kirtland base in New Mexico and landed at Raf Lakenheath, England. The analysis of available data shows that the machine belonged to the Prime Nuclear Airlift Force, the unit responsible for the transport of nuclear weapons, and that the flight took place without a flight over the territory of other countries.
Although both the United States and the United Kingdom consistently avoid commenting on the location of their nuclear arsenals, the pentagon budget data indicate multi -million investments in the infrastructure of “security” in the lakenheath database – according to “Bloomberg” information. According to armament specialists, these expensive modernization works are to prepare a base for the adoption of modern B61-12 bombs-thermo-disconx weapons with precise regulation of firepower, intended for use by the F-35 fighter.
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Signal for Russia
Hans Kristensen from the Federation of American scientists, cited by “Bloomberg”, indicates that all available data suggest the return of American nuclear weapons to Great Britain. He adds that the conscious disclosure of the flight route was to be a signal for Russia, indicating the determination of Washington in maintaining nuclear potential in Europe.
William Alberque from the Pacific Forum is of a similar opinion, which assessed this move as a deliberate move to emphasize the allied force: “This is a clear message for Moscow that the US does not give up or reduce their nuclear potential in Europe” – he points out.
Nuclear deterrence strategy?
NATO representatives did not refer to these reports, but experts emphasize that we are dealing with entering into a wider strategy for strengthening nuclear deterrence by the alliance. Sidharth Kaushal from the Royal United Services Institute admits that the distribution of B61-12 bombs is to counterbalance the Russian advantage in the field of tactical nuclear weapons.
At the same time, Great Britain declared the purchase of 12 additional F-35A fighters capable of carrying nuclear bombs. In the new defense strategy, the Ministry of Defense emphasized the key role of the American nuclear arsenal in Europe and NATO's allied support. “This means a return to the nuclear role of RAF, for the first time since the end of the Cold War,” the British authorities note.
B61-12 are bombs with a capacity of 0.3 to 50 kilotons, which can be used by F-35 aircraft, as well as other NATO and USA machines. Thanks to the flexible regulation of the firepower, this weapon can be used both against tactical purposes and strategic objects. Currently, this type of bombs are arranged in seven NATO bases in six countries – informs Kristensen.
Decisions related to the possible use of this weapon remain only the responsibility of the President of the United States – reminds “Bloomberg”.
Meanwhile, tension increases on the Washington-Moscow line. Donald Trump, the President of the USA, approved more military assistance for Ukraine in the form of subsequent Patriot systems, while threatening new sanctions against Russia in the absence of fire suspension. During the Monday press conference, he admitted that he could shorten the previously set 50-day date, informing that he was “disappointed” by the attitude of Vladimir Putin.
