Ministers Called Upon to Provide Clarity on Nuclear Deployment Plans

Er Mukesh Singh

The issue of nuclear weapons on British soil has resurfaced, prompting fresh calls from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) for transparency. In a letter addressed to both the UK Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary, the CND has demanded clarification on whether RAF Lakenheath, located in Suffolk, is housing the newly deployed B61-12 nuclear bombs.

This call for disclosure follows a recent confirmation by a senior American official, who announced that the deployment of a new generation of nuclear bombs—the B61-12—had been completed. The B61-12 bombs are part of the United States’ efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal, which includes a range of advanced warheads designed to replace older models.

However, the UK government, along with NATO, has adhered to a policy of “neither confirm nor deny” when it comes to the presence of nuclear weapons at specific locations. This policy, which has been in place for decades, seeks to avoid public acknowledgment or denial of nuclear armament at particular sites.

The CND’s request has sparked a renewed debate over nuclear transparency and disarmament. While some advocates argue that public disclosure of nuclear weapon stockpiles is a vital step toward achieving disarmament, others assert that such revelations could jeopardize national security and stability, particularly given the sensitive nature of military alliances and deterrence strategies.

As the UK government faces mounting pressure, the issue of nuclear weapons on British soil remains a key topic of discussion, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to modernize and maintain military capabilities within NATO.

In a speech delivered last week, Jill Hruby, the administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), confirmed the full deployment of the B61-12 gravity bombs, stating that they are now “fully forward deployed.” This marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the United States’ nuclear capabilities and strengthens its commitment to NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture.

Hruby emphasized that the deployment of the B61-12 bombs enhances NATO’s visibility and understanding of the nuclear capabilities available to the alliance. These advanced thermonuclear bombs, which are part of the U.S.’s strategic nuclear arsenal, are now stationed at various locations within NATO’s territory, particularly at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, United Kingdom.

The B61-12 is a versatile and sophisticated bomb that can be carried by advanced aircraft like the F-35A Lightning II, which is stationed at RAF Lakenheath. This weapon’s forward deployment is seen as a demonstration of the U.S.’s continued support for NATO’s security and its commitment to maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent in Europe.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, plays a crucial role in the maintenance and modernization of these weapons. The successful deployment of the B61-12 is part of a broader effort to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal, which includes improving bomb designs, delivery systems, and other related technologies.

The presence of these new gravity bombs in Europe is significant in the context of NATO’s collective defense strategy, especially as global security dynamics evolve. While NATO and the U.S. have a longstanding policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons at specific locations, the acknowledgment of the B61-12’s deployment further underscores the importance of maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent in the face of emerging security challenges.

Documents from the US Department of Defense have revealed that $50 million is being allocated to construct new facilities at RAF Lakenheath, referred to as “surety dormitories.” These structures are believed to be linked to the storage and handling of nuclear weapons, with some experts suggesting that their construction points to the imminent arrival of such weapons at the base. The Federation of American Scientists has also indicated that these developments could signify preparations for the deployment of nuclear warheads at RAF Lakenheath.

Furthermore, another document, which was seen by the BBC but later removed from the internet, mentioned related work at the base in preparation for its “upcoming nuclear mission.” This document hinted at the base’s role in NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy and further bolstered the claim that nuclear weapons were being reintroduced to the facility. It is important to note that RAF Lakenheath had previously hosted US nuclear weapons until their withdrawal in 2008, making the recent developments significant.

While the US and NATO have long adhered to a policy of not disclosing specific details regarding the number and locations of nuclear weapons stationed in Europe, estimates from independent organizations provide some insight. The Washington-based Center for Arms Proliferation and Control has estimated that approximately 100 nuclear warheads are stored across five countries in Europe. These warheads are believed to be part of NATO’s nuclear deterrent strategy, intended to reassure allies of the alliance’s commitment to collective defense.

The construction of new facilities at RAF Lakenheath, coupled with the documents detailing preparations for a nuclear mission, has led to renewed discussions about the US’s nuclear presence in Europe and the broader implications for NATO’s security posture. The potential reintroduction of nuclear weapons to the base underscores the ongoing importance of nuclear deterrence in the face of shifting geopolitical tensions.

Security risks

In a recent letter to the UK government, Sophie Bolt, the general secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), expressed grave concerns about the potential presence of US nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath. She referred to statements made by Jill Hruby, the administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), suggesting that the new B61-12 gravity bombs had been fully forward deployed, which implied that such weapons could now be stationed in the UK.

Bolt highlighted the lack of communication with local communities regarding the new security risks that such a deployment might bring. She stated that the presence of US nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath could significantly increase the threat not only to the communities surrounding the base but to the entire UK, as it could potentially place Britain at the heart of a nuclear conflict between the US and NATO.

The letter further emphasized that the public has a fundamental right to be informed about the risks associated with such a deployment. Bolt argued that the people of Britain should have the opportunity to express their opposition to the presence of nuclear weapons on their soil and to voice their concerns regarding the implications of being part of the US/NATO nuclear front line.

The CND’s letter calls for transparency from the government about the deployment of nuclear weapons, stressing that these decisions should involve public discourse and input from the communities directly affected by them.

In November, the US Air Force acknowledged the presence of unidentified drones flying over three of its airbases in the UK, including RAF Lakenheath. However, details about the origin or intentions of these drones have not been disclosed. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has expressed serious concerns over these drone sightings, believing that they escalate the risks associated with the base, especially given the potential presence of nuclear weapons.

Sophie Bolt, the general secretary of CND, warned that the combination of drones and aircraft carrying nuclear materials could lead to catastrophic consequences. She highlighted the possibility of drones causing accidents or even leading to a crash of an aircraft near where nuclear weapons are stored, which could have devastating results. According to Bolt, these drone sightings add another layer of security risk to an already sensitive and potentially hazardous situation at RAF Lakenheath.

The CND has called for greater transparency and security measures to address these emerging threats, urging the government and military authorities to take the potential risks seriously and prevent any accidents that could jeopardize public safety and international security.

COURTESY: euronews

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