According to a report, the United States is considering deploying nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom for the first time in 15 years due to increasing concerns about Russia’s aggression. The Telegraph stated that the plan involves placing warheads at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk that are three times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
In the past, the United States stationed nuclear missiles at RAF Lakenheath, but they were removed in 2008 when the threat of the Cold War from Moscow lessened. According to documents from the Pentagon, there are plans for a new facility at the airbase.
A representative from the Ministry of Defence stated that it is the established policy of both the UK and Nato to neither confirm nor deny the existence of nuclear weapons at a specific location.
There have been recent suggestions from influential leaders in both the UK and the US for the UK to be ready in case of a potential conflict between Nato forces and Russia. Earlier this week, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, who is leaving his position as head of the British army, stated that the current 74,000 troops should be supplemented by at least 45,000 reservists and civilians in order to improve readiness for potential hostilities.
The possibility of conscription has been rejected by Downing Street, stating that serving in the army will continue to be a voluntary decision.
The US navy secretary, Carlos Del Toro, has advised the UK to reconsider the size of their armed forces in light of current threats.
The UK government has justified their spending on defense by stating that they have been the preferred partner of the US in their strikes against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. This is due to their strong military capabilities.
Source: theguardian.com
