The United States is preparing to house nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath in Britain for the first time in nearly two decades, according to satellite images and a report from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). The report indicates that 22 previously deactivated bunkers have been upgraded, with the decision to reactivate Lakenheath’s nuclear capability made as early as 2021. This move is seen as a response to worsening U.S.-Russia relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The FAS states that the upgrades aim to enhance the survivability of Western nuclear reserves and complicate Russia’s targeting strategy, though no nuclear weapons have been confirmed at the base. RAF Lakenheath remains the largest U.S. Air Force base in the UK, hosting nuclear-capable F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II fighters.
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