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Time of India

Russian threat and why US moved nuclear bombs to UK

The United States has likely redeployed B61‑12 nuclear bombs to the UK, marking the first such move since 2008. Analysts say the deployment is a strategic response to increasing Russian threats and reinforces NATO's deterrence posture in Europe. RAF Lakenheath is now a key site for the upgraded nuclear mission. US responds to Russian threat with UK nuclear deployment Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads B61‑12 bombs likely delivered to boost NATO deterrent Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads For the first time in over 15 years, the US has likely moved nuclear weapons to the UK in a pre-emptive action expecting a Russian threat, according to open-source data and military/defence US Air Force, on July 16, in a rare display of upholding NATO authority emitted signals through its transponder from its C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which flew from Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, like the B62-12 which hold thermonuclear gravity potential, possesses a capacity with yields which range from 0.3 to 50 response to Russia's advantage in non-strategic nuclear weapons, these bombs have been made compatible with even fifth-generation aircrafts like the F-35A Lightning II jets, which the UK recently wanted to have risen by defense officials and analysts that this is a turning point in NATO's posture with regards to nuclear engagement/ Russia has not yet placed any direct conventional military threat to the United Kingdom, British officials are remaining alert to indirect risks posed by fear started since 2022, with Russian President Vladimir Putin issuing nuclear warnings to NATO countries in defence to a possible NATO UK is feared as a good target for the Russians as it has been one of the most vocal supporters and the leading contributor for military aid in Ukraine, which caught Kremlin's attention and were responded to by indirect threats include , British intelligence agencies reporting an increased amount of cyber intrusions which target important infrastructure of the nation, and disinformation campaigns made Russian spy, Sergei Skripal and his daughter were targeted in 2018 by the UK government after British intelligence found evidence of Skripal using chemical-grade weapons in attack had widely strained UK's relations with the UK, as authorities in Britain directly blamed Russian involvement, prompting other Western nations to conduct a coordinated removal of Russian officials within Western this, British security agencies such as MI5 have continuously warned of different means of Russian espionage with alleged incidents of surveying political dissidents, attempts made by Russians to rise its influence in UK academia, and other important institutions, and finally cyber operations which targeted important government led to the increased expenditure and rise in security in the UK, with investments also made at counter-intelligence to protect Britain's national the US Air Force deploying thermonuclear gravity bombs like the B61-12, in UK, shows pre-emptive action taken by the UK and its documents from the U.S. Department of Defense reveal that multi-million-dollar upgrades have been underway at RAF Lakenheath for several years. These include enhancements to 'surety' facilities, the term used to describe nuclear weapon security and handling infrastructure. Such developments suggest long-term planning and a permanent return of a nuclear mission to the a significant signal of increased threats, the Royal Air Force of the UK has reintroduced its nuclear mission after stopping air-launched nuclear weapons since the COld UK has also called for other Western nations and allies to join in making supporting infrastructure supporting NATO's nuclear deterrence.