American nuclear weapons to be stored on UK soil for the first time in 17 years
Under new proposals, the weapons are set to be stored in the UK for the first time since 2008 amid a rise in global tensions. Threats from an expansionist Russia and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East appear to have sparked the recent move.
The UK previously hosted American nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath, although these were removed from the site in 2008 as part of a wider streamlining of nuclear policy in Europe by the Bush administration.
A report shared earlier this year by the Federation of American Scientists indicated the US military wanted to re-establish the nuclear mission at RAF Lakenheath. The report said: "In the case of a nuclear crisis with Russia, a portion of U.S. nuclear weapons could be redistributed from more vulnerable NATO bases to RAF Lakenheath to improve survivability and complicate Russia's targeting strategy."
It added: "The change appears to be a direct reaction to the worsening political and military relations with Russia, resulting from its invasions in 2014 and 2022 of Ukraine, frequent nuclear warnings, and Russian deployment of increasingly capable long-range conventional weapons."
The move comes as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined plans to bolster the country's nuclear deterrence by buying at least 12 F-35 stealth bombers that are capable of firing nukes and conventional weapons. The new fighters will be armed with American B61 gravity bombs.
Mr Starmer's move will enhance UK nuclear deterrence as the country only has one platform - the Trident submarines - to unleash its arsenal. Other nuclear powers, such as France and the US can launch nuclear weapons from the air, land and sea.
The Labour government also warned the British public it needs to "actively prepare" for war on UK soil "for the first time in many years." The long-awaited National Security Strategy said tackling nuclear weapons threats will be "more complex than it was even in the Cold War."
The report also warned hostile states may join terror groups to carry out attacks on British soil. It added: ""For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario."
The document went on to comment that the nation's resolve will be tested with a World War II spirit needed to handle emerging threats. The Prime Minister made the announcement to enhance Britain's nuclear capabilities ahead of a crunch meeting at the NATO summit being held in the Netherlands.
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