Reports indicate the United States has deployed tactical nuclear weapons to the United Kingdom, marking the first time such armaments have been stationed on British soil since 2008. The move, confirmed by sources citing the UK Defence Journal and other outlets, involves the transfer of B61-12 gravity bombs to Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath. This development comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia.
The deployment re-establishes a U.S. nuclear presence in the UK, which ended when the last American nuclear weapons were withdrawn from RAF Lakenheath 16 years ago. The B61-12 is a modernized tactical nuclear bomb with variable explosive power and precision guidance, designed for battlefield use rather than strategic deterrence. Its presence is seen as a significant enhancement to NATO's deterrence capabilities in Europe.
Concerns about the return of these weapons have been voiced by Russian officials. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova previously warned that Moscow would view any such deployment as a "step towards escalation" and a move "quite opposite to addressing the pressing issue of pulling all nuclear weapons out of European countries." The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) had also highlighted evidence suggesting preparations for the return of U.S. nuclear weapons to the UK, based on U.S. Air Force budget documents from 2024.
The United Kingdom is also expanding its own nuclear capabilities, with plans announced in June 2025 to procure 12 F-35A aircraft. These jets are capable of delivering both conventional munitions and U.S. B61-12 gravity bombs, further integrating the UK into NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements. The decision follows the UK's Strategic Defence Review, which identified new nuclear risks from diversifying arsenals.
The re-establishment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in the UK underscores a shift in NATO's nuclear posture. Analysts suggest this move is a direct response to Russia's aggressive actions, including its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the reported transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. The deployment is intended to reinforce deterrence and reassure allies in the face of evolving security threats in the European theatre.