Latest news with #F-35ALightningII
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
NATO Ally Looks to Buy US Nuclear-Capable Fighter Jets to Counter Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United Kingdom is hoping to purchase American-made fighter jets, capable of both carrying and deploying nuclear weapons, according to a report in The Sunday Times. The British newspaper cited anonymous senior officials familiar with the matter, who said the U.K. intends buying Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning stealth fighter aircraft, but that other options are also being evaluated. The Sunday Times reported that the potential deal was part of the country's broader strategy to address threats posed by Russia, and that the "highly sensitive" talks between the Pentagon and the Ministry of Defence have been led by Admiral Sir Antony David Radakin, head of the UK's armed forces, and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. When contacted for comment, the Ministry of Defence directed Newsweek to an interview given by Healey on Sunday morning, in which he said that such discussions "are not conducted in public," but refused to rule out whether the purchase was an option. Why It Matters Combined with other actions taken and statements made by the U.K. government in recent days, including tomorrow's release of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, the purchase would signal a significant escalation in Britain's assessment of the threats posed by Russia and the urgency of countering these. Additionally, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently set out plans to increase the country's defense budget to 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, up from the current 2.3 percent. This follows calls from NATO officials for member states to devote a greater portion of their budget to counter Russian threats, and similar requests from President Donald Trump What To Know According to the U.S. Air Force, the F-35A Lightning possesses a range of more than 1,350 miles and is capable of carrying payloads of up to 18,000 pounds. Variants of the F-35 have already been certified to carry B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs, a type of low-yield nuclear munitions. Having decommissioned its stockpile of tactical, air-delivered nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War, the U.K. has relied on its "Trident" system as a nuclear deterrent. The arsenal is exclusively capable of being deployed by four Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarines. A U.S. Air Force fifth generation F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft comes in to land outside RAF Lakenheath on April 17, 2025 in Lakenheath, England. A U.S. Air Force fifth generation F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft comes in to land outside RAF Lakenheath on April 17, 2025 in Lakenheath, Sunday Times report comes ahead of the release of the government's strategic defence review, which Healey told the BBC would send a "message to Moscow." In a briefing released ahead of the full report, the government said the review would outline a "total commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent," as well as a "NATO-first" defence policy." What People Are Saying Secretary of State for Defence John Healey spoke to Sky News about the reported purchase on Sunday morning, saying: "Those sort of discussions are not conducted in public and certainly not with a running commentary." "I want to make a wider point though on our nuclear deterrent which is this: For nearly 70 years, our U.K. nuclear deterrent has been the guarantor of our U.K. security—it's what Putin fears most," he added. "And the threats we face in the future, mean we will always have to do what we need to defend the country, and strong deterrence is absolutely essential in order to keep Britain and the British people safe." Lord De Mauley, chair of the Lords International Relations and Defence Committee, said in October: "Years of strategic neglect have left our forces stretched thin and limited in size. We are underprepared to respond to the worsening global threat environment, and in particular to meet the very real and growing threat from Russia." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in an article for The Sun published Sunday, said his government was committed to restoring "Britain's war-fighting readiness." He cited the emergence of "new nuclear risks," as well as cyberattacks orchestrated by Russia alongside Iran and North Korea. What Happens Next? The government's Strategic Defence Review 2025 is scheduled for publication on Monday.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why India's 5th-Gen Fighter Jet AMCA is important for UPSC Prep
What is a fifth-generation fighter jet? Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: Fighter jets, aircraft type, and missiles are some of the important topics of defence that have been asked by UPSC in Prelims. In 2024, a question was asked on fifth-generation aircraft (do check them in the post-read questions). Similarly, in this year's Prelims paper, a question was asked on aircraft type and description, making it an important topic for your 2026 UPSC Prelims.) India's planned fifth-generation fighter jet—advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) — hit a new milestone on 27th May with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approving the execution model. With this, the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will have to bid independently or in partnership with other firms to get the contract for manufacturing it. The execution model approach provides equal opportunities to both the private and public sectors on a competitive basis. 1. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—the agency that will design the aircraft—is set to execute the programme through industry partnership. 2. The initial development cost of the project has been estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore. The IAF has been pushing for the AMCA project in view of its long-term requirement. 3. The manufacturing of the aircraft will bring India into a select league of nations that possess its fifth-generation fighter aircraft—the US (F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II), China (J-20 Mighty Dragon), and Russia (Sukhoi Su-57). Features of AMCA: 1. STEALTH: The 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft, which will be bigger than other fighters in the Indian Air Force inventory, will have advanced stealth features to avoid detection by enemy radar. 2. FUEL & WEAPONS: The aircraft will have a large, concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons, to be buried in its belly. 3. ENGINE: The AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE414 engine of the 90 kilonewton (kN) class, while the more advanced AMCA Mk2 will fly on the more powerful 110kN engine, which will be developed indigenously by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defence major. 4. Other features such as a diverterless supersonic inlet for controlling air flow into the engines, and a serpentine air intake duct to shield the engines from radar emissions, are likely to be part of the AMCA. 5. The AMCA will be India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a 4.5-generation single-engine multirole aircraft. How is it different from the fourth-generation combat aircraft? 📍The primary difference is in stealth features. The aircraft will have a low electro-magnetic signature, which will make it difficult for enemy radar to detected it. At the same time, it will have powerful sensors and new weapons, so it is able to register the signature of enemy aircraft and take them out. 📍Stealth features such as an internal weapons bay and a bigger internal fuel tank are part of fifth-generation aircraft like AMCA. Up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and multiple precision-guided munitions can be carried in the internal weapons bay, with a payload of 1,500 kg. 📍External fuel tanks and externally attached weapons leave a huge signature and are easy to detect for radar. The special material that will be used on the aircraft surface will divert the radar signature instead of reflecting it back. Only a handful of countries — such as the US, Russia, the UK, and France — have mastered the technology and metallurgy needed to manufacture an engine that can power combat aircraft. India is not in this list — its push for self-reliance in manufacturing several critical technologies, including cryogenic rocket engines, notwithstanding. India's Kaveri Engine Project was initiated in the 1980s to develop an indigenous jet engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Due to some technical challenges, it was delinked from Tejas in 2008. Loosely put, a generational shift in fighter jets is said to occur when a certain technological innovation cannot be incorporated into an existing aircraft through upgrades and retrospective fit-outs — each new generation comes with a certain significant leap in technology. There are currently five generations of fighter jets that are (or were in the past) in active service, with sixth generation jets currently in development. 1. First generation (1943 to 1955): They appeared in the final years of World War II. Notably, these jets still flew mostly at subsonic speeds and had very basic avionic systems and no self-protection measures. Examples: Messerschmitt Me 262, North American 5-86 Sabre, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, Hawker Hunter 2. Second generation (1955 to 1970): These aircraft for the first time were capable of transonic and supersonic dashes during level flight. They also boasted the very first fire control radars and semi-active guided missiles. Examples: Mikoyan MiG-21F, Sukhoi SU-9, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (interceptors), and Republic F-105 Thunderchief and Sukhoi SU-7B (fighter-bombers) 3. Third generation (1960-1970): This was the first generation of fighter jets designed to have multi-role capabilities. Also, it was the first with capabilities of beyond visual range air-to-air combat. Examples: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23, Hawker Siddeley (later British Aerospace) Harrier. 4. Fourth generation (1970 to 2000s): True multi-role aircraft emerged only with this generation. It was the first generation of aircraft to use fly-by-wire (FBW) control systems. Examples: Grumman F-14 'Tomcat', General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, McDonnel Douglas (later Boeing) F/A-18 'Superhornet', Sukhoi Su-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, HAL Tejas LCA, Dassault Rafale. 5. Fifth generation (2000 onwards): It has fully embraced stealth, advanced integrated avionics systems that provide the pilot with a complete picture of the battle space, and network capabilities. Currently, only the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth generation aircraft. India is currently developing its own fifth-generation aircraft with AMCA. Post read question Consider the following aircraft: (UPSC CSE 2024) 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Canada's F-35 Nightmare
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. There are "alternatives" to the U.S.-made F-35 fighter jet, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said before winning a new term in office amid a whirlwind of souring relations with Washington. Some agree, others don't. Canada, in a marked dip in relations between the U.S. and its northern neighbor, put its planned F-35 procurement from the U.S. under review in March, although its defense ministry has been clear that it is not "canceling" the deal to receive dozens of the Lockheed Martin-made fighter jets. Canada now faces a dilemma: Does Ottawa do away with billions of dollars of investment and all the work to prepare its air force for the U.S.-made F-35s, or does it continue with the planned purchase? The process to extricate Canada from its F-35 commitments would be complicated, expensive and impractical, experts broadly say. But the discussions swirling around F-35s may lead Canada away from American airpower in the long term, as European-led programs to produce the upcoming generation of fighter jets gather pace. An F-35A Lightning II fighter jet practices for an air show appearance in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on September 6, 2019. An F-35A Lightning II fighter jet practices for an air show appearance in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on September 6, 2019. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP 'Best Fighter Jet For Our Country' The Canadian government announced at the start of 2023 that it had signed a deal worth $19 billion CAD, or roughly $13.7 billion USD in today's money, to buy 88 F-35s. The agreement was the biggest investment in Canada's air force in three decades, the defense ministry said in a statement. "Canada is confident that the F-35 represents the best fighter jet for our country at the best price for Canadians," the government said at the time. But the more than two years since the U.S.-Canada agreement was finalized have been turbulent. The return of President Donald Trump to the White House ushered in a moment of collective apprehension from the rest of NATO as he pursued a thaw of relations with the Kremlin, and launched a trade war with its partner in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a binational command vital for monitoring and sounding early alarms at any threats heading for North America. Carney, meeting Trump in the Oval Office this week, insisted Canada will never be for sale, while the U.S. leader responded: "Never say never." Trump has repeatedly called Canada the "51st state," a label slapped away by Ottawa. But the hint that the administration could annex Canada has lingered, albeit as an unlikely prospect. Reports of a "kill switch" built into F-35s ran rampant earlier this year, suggesting Washington could effectively control the aircraft bought and operated by recipient countries as it pleased. Experts and officials have downplayed these concerns but concede that the U.S. could have a noticeable impact on how well the aircraft operate, should it choose to influence software upgrades or halt access to intelligence and mission data. NATO allies and other F-35 customers also watched on as the U.S. forced Ukraine into a corner over its dependence on the U.S., including for intelligence. Trump's transactional-style diplomacy and events like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Oval Office meeting in February, became a wake-up call, said retired Lieutenant General Yvan Blondin, who served as the commander of Canada's air force from 2012 until 2015 and has pressed for a long, hard look at Canada's F-35 order. "If this is happening to Ukraine," he told Newsweek, "what is the value of the agreement we have with NATO? What is the value of the agreement Canada has with NORAD?" The Case For F-35s Simply put, there are no real fifth-generation alternatives for Western or partner militaries, to the F-35. While there are plenty of choices for fourth-generation jets, and upgraded versions known as 4.5 generation aircraft, all of the eggs for the most advanced generation of fighter aircraft are in the F-35 basket. "There's no better military option," Blondin said. Canada is expected to receive its first deliveries of F-35s next year but will have poured significant investment into putting the vast infrastructure in place in time for their arrival. There are a host of other problems that Canada would court if it pulled out of the deal, from making it harder to work seamlessly with its allies to risking the wrath of Trump. There is a pressing need for Canada to replace its moribund CF-18 fleet that cannot wait, experts say. Canada's Hornet aircraft have "been desperately in need of replacement for more than a decade," said Justin Bronk, a research fellow for airpower and military technology at the U.K.-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank. "The Canadian fighter force can't wait for another fighter procurement process," Bronk told Newsweek. "They just can't wait." Other F-35 nations operating the jets in Europe have reassured one another they are still committed to the fifth-generation fighter jet, a central European official involved in defense planning told Newsweek. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in March it was in the "interest of all" for the F-35 to succeed, while British Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard insisted the U.K. "maintains the freedom of action to operate the F-35 Lightning at a time and place of our choosing." The Pentagon had not signaled any intention that the U.S. would restrict the use of partner nations' F-35s, the central European official said. The Case Against F-35s One school of thought suggests that Canada could supplement a handful of F-35s with a raft of fourth-generation fighters, like the Eurofighter Typhoon or French-made Rafale. French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to allude to this in remarks earlier this year. "Those who buy the F-35, we must offer them the Rafale," he said. Some analysts say a handful of F-35s could do enough to enhance a fleet of less advanced aircraft. Carney has signaled that Canada is on the hook for 16 of the 88 F-35s. But fifth-generation jets are really needed to tackle the most sophisticated air defense systems wielded by an enemy, said Andrew Curtis, a retired air commodore in the U.K.'s Royal Air Force (RAF)—something a Rafale or a Typhoon couldn't do nearly as well. "Militarily, the last thing you want to be doing these days is having mixed fleets," Curtis told Newsweek. "If Canada is committed to buying 16, the chances are they'll buy all 88." Operating just a few F-35s—rather than the full 88—would mean a massive hike in how expensive each jet is for Canada, which would still have to put in place all of the infrastructure, Bronk added. Ottawa would then have to work out how to make sure supply chains, logistics and training for entirely different types of aircraft are there, too, Bronk said. "I suspect what they will find is that there are no good alternatives to proceeding with the F-35 procurement as planned, and that the fighter force is just unable to wait," Bronk said. If Canada axed the majority of the on-order F-35s, it would still take the better part of a decade to build an operational fleet made up of different jets, like Sweden's Gripen, Blondin said. Referring to canceling much of the F-35 order, Blondin added: "If you do this, you better have something else to fly with or to defend your country, because, next month, you may not have an airplane to do it." Current and former officials, as well as industry sources, say doubts over the F-35 are generating more interest in nascent, European-led sixth-generation fighter jet programs. There are plans to build several different sixth-generation fighters, which could slowly come into service in the mid-2030s. The U.S. has its Next Generation Air Dominance program, with its F-47 manned fighter jet, but the U.K., Italy and Japan are jointly working on the Global Combat Air Program, or GCAP, initiative currently expected to bear fruit in 2035. France, Spain and Germany are working on a separate program, although it is further behind than GCAP. The central European official said they expected more countries to want to have a look-in at the development of next-generation aircraft, and particularly to have their domestic industry contribute to sixth-generation programs. "Could Canada, in its desire to diversify its economy [and] diversify its defense, get onboard a six-generation program?" Blondin said. The GCAP program, for one, has had significant interest from across the world and would not necessarily exclude late entrants to the project, but there is an acknowledgment that the more parties involved, the slower the progress will be. It's understood the workload has already been divvied up, meaning while it's not impossible for new countries to join GCAP, it is more likely nations coming in later would be involved in other parts of sixth-generation technology, such as drones, rather than the jet itself. But the French, German and Spanish program to develop a sixth-gen fighter and drones to go with it, known as FCAS, is likely more interesting to Canada for the time being, said Blondin. "Can we get our industry to work into companion drones; can we get our industry involved in all of this?" Blondin added. "This is probably where Canada needs to go." The Unique Case Of Canada Canada's calculus around the F-35 is somewhat different from the other nations ascribed to the F-35 program. Canada is intertwined with the U.S. under NORAD, and Ottawa is also part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance with Washington, London, Canberra and Wellington, as well as a supplier of parts for the F-35. The U.S. under Trump—with his comments about a 51st state—likely sees Canada as under America's protection and wouldn't impose any restrictions on how Ottawa uses F-35s to defend itself, Blondin said. Any restrictions on F-35 use would likely involve Canada's involvement abroad in a conflict the U.S. government didn't back, such as in Ukraine, Blondin said. Curtailing Canada's F-35 use could jeopardize the Canadian role in defending North America—likely unappealing to the U.S., according to Blondin. "At least for Canada, there's no reason to cancel," despite the short-term vulnerability for Ottawa, Blondin said. "Just buy it," using the F-35 to defend North America alongside the U.S., he added, but also look towards European, earlier-generation jets and drones for Canada's operations abroad before sixth-generation jets start appearing.
Newsweek
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Doubles Stealth Jets Presence Near China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has dispatched a second group of stealth fighter jets to Kadena Air Base in Japan, reinforcing its air power to counter China in the contested western Pacific Ocean. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters Kadena Air Base, located on the island of Okinawa, is the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan, with a distance of 370 miles. China has long threatened to use force against the self-ruled island of Taiwan, claiming it is part of Beijing's territory, despite having never governed it. Under a U.S. maritime containment strategy, Japan, a key treaty ally of Washington, formed the first island chain with Taiwan and the Philippines, which seeks to restrict the Chinese military's access to the Pacific Ocean, in addition to the second and third island chains. The U.S. Air Force is replacing Kadena Air Base's fleet of the older F-15C/D Eagle jets with the state-of-the-art F-15EX Eagle II jets, which are expected to arrive in 2026. During the air power transition period, Kadena Air Base maintains a rotational presence of fighter aircraft. What To Know The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing, which is the host unit for Kadena Air Base, announced in a news release that an unknown number of the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, which are assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, arrived at the base on Thursday. Four United States Air Force F-35A fighter jets taxiing after landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24. Four United States Air Force F-35A fighter jets taxiing after landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24. Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo/U.S. Air Force The squadron, nicknamed "Black Widows," was originally stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. It is the second F-35A fighter aircraft unit to be deployed at Kadena Air Base after the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, a unit based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The Alaska-based F-35A fighter aircraft were deployed to Kadena Air Base from April 3 to 6 with the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft, which were sent by the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, a unit stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. The arrival of the Utah-based F-35A fighter jets completed the latest round of fighter aircraft deployments to the Pacific Ocean, the news release said, adding that the continuous rotations of aircraft at Kadena Air Base ensured a "lethal and credible" air power to deter aggression. According to the U.S. Air Force, the F-35A is its latest fifth-generation fighter jet, providing next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness and reduced vulnerability. Japan is also an operator of this type of stealth fighter aircraft and has ordered a total of 105 jets. A United States Air Force F-35A fighter jet landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24. A United States Air Force F-35A fighter jet landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24. Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo/U.S. Air Force The two sister variants of the F-35A fighter aircraft, the U.S. Marine Corps' F-35B and the U.S. Navy's F-35C, are also deployed in Japan as part of the U.S. forces protecting the ally. They are stationed at the city of Iwakuni on Honshu, one of the four main islands of Japan. What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said: "Modernizing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater remains a top priority. Kadena aircraft rotations exemplify the [Department of Defense's] continued commitment to maintain a continuous fighter presence while awaiting the arrival of the F-15EX." U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, the commander of the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, said: "The Black Widows are thrilled to be back and flying with our allies and partners here at Kadena. Our unit values the distinctive training opportunities afforded by our deployment to the Indo-Pacific and is eager to contribute to the mission." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. military will send additional assets to Japan. Last month, President Donald Trump questioned the U.S.'s commitment to the security of its ally.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Locals call for transparency after nuclear drill
People living near a US airbase earmarked to house nuclear weapons say they are being left in the dark about what would happen in the event of a radiation alert. It comes after a drill simulating an accident involving such material was held, with personnel from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk taking part. Nick Timothy, Conservative MP for West Suffolk, said while the US military was "welcome", there needed to be "transparency as far as possible on issues like this exercise". A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said: "Exercise Diamond Dragon demonstrated our preparedness to respond to any incident, no matter how unlikely". The exercise was conducted at nearby RAF Honington. A US Air Force (USAF) spokesman said: "Airmen from the USAF participated in a small-scale, joint emergency response exercise from September 23-25, 2024. "The purpose was to train and evaluate combined emergency response procedures in support of military operations and accidents". The last exercise was held in 2015, after which a report into what lessons had been learned was published. The Suffolk Resilience Forum, which leads on emergency planning in the county, confirmed the scenario in both instances was a simulated crash in the UK of a US aircraft carrying "defence nuclear materials". Lakenheath Parish Council chairman Gerald Kelly said he had been told informally about the latest drill. He said the area had an emergency plan, but added: "There is nothing in there about this sort of incident." The MoD should inform residents "what it wants us to do" if the event of an incident, he said. Mr Kelly called for a siren system to be installed and for the local community to be involved in any future exercises. Last year it emerged RAF Lakenheath was preparing facilities to house and guard nuclear bombs, 15 years after they were removed from the site. The F-35A Lightning II squadron at the base is now certified to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear munition. The UK and Nato have a long-standing policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a given location. The Defence Nuclear Organisation, which oversees "all defence nuclear business, excluding operations", published guidance in 2021 detailing what local authorities should do in case of a nuclear weapons emergency. One section advised members of the public situated 5km (three miles) downwind of an incident should be evacuated in a 45-degree arc, centred on the wind direction. Parents would also be advised not to try to collect children from school unless told otherwise. "The school authorities will look after them," the document stated. Lakenheath villagers said they did not know about this advice or Exercise Diamond Dragon. David Rolph, who has lived locally for 20 years, said: "I think the local people should be well aware of what we can do if something happened on-base and there isn't any information. There is no noticeboard saying what to do." He endorsed the idea of a siren warning system. Lily Brown, 33, a barber who previously worked at RAF Lakenheath, was not keen on the idea of sirens being installed. "I'd rather not know what's coming," she said. Sally Hunt confirmed she also had received no nuclear safety information, despite living close to Lakenheath for two decades. "If they are going to have nuclear weapons up there, I think we should be aware of it and know that there are safety measures in place," she added. Timothy, who has represented the constituency since last July, said: "We know that exercises like this take place across government, across the military and public services for all sorts of different possibilities all the time." A spokesman for the Suffolk Resilience Forum said it would publish a report on the latest exercise. They added: "This happened in West Suffolk because of the obvious availability and proximity of a suitable location and relevant military personnel. "This exercise is relevant to anywhere in the UK and does not represent a specific threat to our area." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Two arrested at peace protest outside US airbase Police helicopter 'near miss' during drone alert Ministers urged to clarify nuclear deployment Ministry of Defence RAF Lakenheath Suffolk Resilience Forum
