Is B61 in England? US planes have flown across the Atlantic — and everything points to the return of nuclear bombs

There are serious signs that nuclear bombs may be stored at one of the American air bases in England again. We are talking about the Lakenheath base, a key point of the US Air Force in Europe. And although neither the Pentagon nor the British government directly confirm this (officially they rarely say anything about nuclear weapons at all), indirect signals are now through the roof.

The main reason for the talks is a series of recent transatlantic flights of C—17 and C-5 Galaxy heavy transporters. These planes are not just loaders: they are often used to transport highly sensitive and classified cargo, including nuclear weapon components. Analysts and arms control experts have tracked several such flights from the United States to the United Kingdom in recent weeks. The route, the time, and even the nature of the loading all match the typical delivery pattern of B61 bombs.

And what is B61? This is an American tactical nuclear bomb that can be mounted on fighter-bombers, such as the F-15E or future F-35. She participates in the NATO nuclear deterrence program.: The United States stores such bombs at allied bases (including in Germany, Italy, Turkey, and possibly Belgium and the Netherlands), and in the event of a crisis, it transfers them to local pilots for use. This is called nuclear delegation, a powerful political gesture that shows the unity of the alliance.

Why now? Most likely, this is due to the situation in Europe. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO increased its combat readiness, including the modernization of the nuclear component. The old B61s are being replaced by new, more accurate and safer versions — the B61-12, with an adjustable charge and guidance system. They were most likely the ones who began to be transferred to Europe.

Lakenheath has long had special storage facilities for nuclear weapons, the so—called WS3 (Weapons Storage and Security System). They are securely protected, camouflaged, and guarded around the clock. If the bombs have really arrived, they are already there, deep underground.

Officially, the United States never confirms the presence of nuclear weapons abroad. This is part of the strategy of "ambivalence" — so that opponents know that the threat is real, but they cannot say exactly where and how much. But everyone who follows such things is now sure that the B61s have returned to the UK — if, of course, they ever completely left.

Do not think that the Third World War will begin tomorrow. But the signal is loud: the United States and NATO are showing determination. Especially in an environment where Russia has repeatedly made nuclear threats. Such movements are part of the psychological pressure, a reminder: "We are ready for anything."

So while civilians in Suffolk County are walking their dogs, some of the scariest bombs on the planet may be lying underground.