Ahead of a planned "nuclear mission" in the UK, the U.S. Defense Department is preparing for significant purchases, including additional ballistic protection equipment and hydraulic ramps.
Additionally, this project includes the construction of a new housing complex to house the U.S. military. Construction is scheduled to begin in June. The military base is planned to house B61-12 nuclear bombs with a yield of up to 50 kilotons, which are currently used on B-2 Spirit strategic bombers.
These actions to return warheads to the UK are part of NATO's program to develop and modernize nuclear facilities. The program is designed to respond to increased tensions with Russia, especially after the invasion of Ukraine.
The United States has already announced its plans to strengthen its military presence at the Lakenheath base in the UK by sending two squadrons of F-35 fighter jets. According to The Telegraph's sources, this involves 54 bombers capable of transporting tactical nuclear weapons.
"These more capable aircraft have a longer range and utilize stealth technology, which is key to accurately dropping nuclear bombs," the military source said.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the moves, saying that Moscow would perceive the return of US nuclear weapons to the UK as an act of escalation. In response, Russia intends to take "compensatory countermeasures."
