London/Washington (Agencies) July 20, 2025: For the first time since 2008, U.S. nuclear weapons have been redeployed to the United Kingdom, marking a significant shift in NATO’s deterrence posture amid escalating tensions with Russia.
The deployment, confirmed through Pentagon procurement documents and satellite imagery, centers on RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, where 22 underground bunkers have undergone extensive refurbishment to house B61-12 tactical nuclear gravity bombs. These weapons are designed for delivery via F-15E Strike Eagles and the newly acquired F-35A fighter jets, which the UK is integrating into NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) mission.
The move follows recommendations from the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published in June 2025, which called for greater UK participation in NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements4. The UK government has since confirmed the purchase of 12 F-35A aircraft, capable of deploying U.S. nuclear weapons, though it has not officially disclosed the storage location.
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) reported that the reactivation of RAF Lakenheath’s nuclear mission began as early as 2021, with accelerated efforts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The base was previously a key site for U.S. nuclear assets during the Cold War until their withdrawal in 2008.
Security concerns have intensified after unidentified drones were spotted over RAF Lakenheath and nearby bases in late 2024, prompting investigations into possible Russian surveillance operations.
While the UK Ministry of Defence maintains its policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons, defense analysts view the deployment as a strategic signal to Moscow and a reinforcement of NATO’s extended deterrence capabilities.
The redeployment has sparked debate over sovereignty, transparency, and the implications for UK nuclear policy, which traditionally relies on its Trident submarine-based deterrent. Critics argue that hosting U.S. weapons may compromise independent decision-making, as launch authority remains with the U.S. President.
The development underscores a broader trend of rearmament and strategic recalibration across Europe, as NATO adapts to a more volatile security environment.