UK-Based Nuclear Program After Nearly Two Decades – Report
Evidence Suggests US Nuclear Weapons May Return to RAF Lakenheath
UK-Based Nuclear Program. A recent report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) suggests that the United States may be preparing to restore its nuclear weapons presence in the United Kingdom after nearly 20 years of absence. The report points to RAF Lakenheath, England, as the likely base for the renewed nuclear program.
Signs of Nuclear Activity at RAF Lakenheath
The FAS report compiles multiple indicators that point to a possible return of US nuclear weapons to the UK, including:
✅ NATO Security Investment Program Documents – A 2023 budget document listed the UK among countries set to receive upgrades to their “special weapons” storage sites.
✅ US Air Force Budget Reports – A previously leaked budget plan referenced the construction of a new dormitory at RAF Lakenheath to accommodate an influx of airmen assigned to a “Surety Mission”—a term related to nuclear security operations.
✅ Satellite Imagery – Construction work has been identified at 28 of the 33 protective aircraft shelters equipped with underground WS3 vaults (designed for nuclear weapon storage).
✅ Military Training Documents – A 2023 US Air Force Career Field and Education Training Plan newly listed RAF Lakenheath as a potential site for nuclear weapons specialists, a detail absent from previous versions.
Is This a Response to Rising Tensions with Russia?
According to experts, this potential nuclear revival may be a reaction to the deteriorating political and military relations with Russia. The report specifically cites:
🔹 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2014, 2022)
🔹 Frequent nuclear threats from Moscow
🔹 Deployment of advanced long-range weapons by Russia
These developments could have prompted the US to reinforce its nuclear deterrence strategy in Europe.
No Nuclear Weapons Confirmed—Yet
Despite the mounting evidence, no official confirmation has been made regarding the presence of nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath. The FAS report clarifies that the UK nuclear program is likely a contingency plan, rather than an immediate deployment.
Historical Context: The US-UK Nuclear Partnership
The United States has maintained a military presence at RAF Lakenheath since the late 1940s. The base has historically housed nuclear-capable aircraft, including B-29 bombers during the Cold War and later, nuclear gravity bombs.
However, after the end of the Cold War, the UK gradually reduced its nuclear arsenal. By 1998, all US non-strategic nuclear weapons were removed from the country. Under the George W. Bush administration, the last remaining US nuclear weapons were withdrawn from RAF Lakenheath, marking the first nuclear-free period in the UK since 1954.
Now, it appears that this decades-long absence may soon come to an end.
Security Concerns: Drone Sightings Over RAF Lakenheath
Adding to the speculation, multiple unidentified drones were spotted hovering over RAF Lakenheath in November 2024. This incident raised security concerns and triggered an immediate US Air Force investigation.
What’s Next?
As of now, neither the US Department of Defense nor the UK government has officially confirmed plans to reintroduce nuclear weapons to RAF Lakenheath. However, the ongoing construction and security upgrades suggest that the US military is preparing for that possibility.
Stay tuned with NGN News for the latest updates on this developing story.
