The US military has begun deploying upgraded B61-12 nuclear bombs at its bases in Europe, further enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities.
The deployment follows the completion of a $9-billion upgrade to the so-called “gravity bombs,” which extends their service life by at least 20 years.
Jill Hruby, head of the National Nuclear Security Administration, explained that the recent deployment is meant to increase NATO’s understanding of Washington’s growing nuclear capabilities.
The move also reflects a significant shift towards strengthening critical supply chain resilience in response to escalating regional threats.
While specific locations remain undisclosed, earlier reports indicated that the Lakenheath military base in the UK has been constructing a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons.
Bolstering Nuclear Capabilities
The B61-12 gravity bomb is equipped with a 50-kiloton warhead and utilizes an inertial navigation system for high kill probability.
It can be airdropped miles away from the target, thanks to its controlled tail rudder that ensures precision strike.
The deployment of the upgraded bomb comes as the US faces a new era of nuclear competition, with China, Russia, and North Korea making significant advancements in their nuclear programs, underscored by extensive tests and military buildups.
In response, the US has showcased its nuclear deterrence capabilities, notably with the successful test of its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in November 2024.
“The idea of nuclear conflict, once unthinkable, has become a subject of debate,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked in 2022.
