Newly released documents have confirmed that the United States stores nuclear weapons at two Royal Air Force bases in the United Kingdom, ending decades of official ambiguity on the matter. The revelation, based on declassified US budget documents, places nuclear warheads at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, both long suspected of hosting US nuclear assets.
Details of the Disclosure
The documents, obtained by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), include US Department of Energy budget requests that reference the storage of nuclear weapons at these two bases. According to Hans Kristensen, director of the FAS Nuclear Information Project, the documents indicate that the US maintains a small number of B61 nuclear bombs at RAF Lakenheath, with additional storage facilities at RAF Mildenhall. The exact number of warheads is not specified, but analysts estimate it could be around 50 to 100 bombs.
The UK Ministry of Defence has long maintained a policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons at its bases. However, the FAS report states that the budget documents clearly show funding for "weapons storage and security" at both locations, effectively confirming their nuclear role.
Historical Context and Policy Shift
The presence of US nuclear weapons in the UK dates back to the Cold War, when they were deployed as part of NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements. In 2008, the US withdrew its nuclear arsenal from the UK, but the new documents suggest that at least some weapons were returned in recent years. The FAS notes that the UK has been involved in the US B61 bomb life extension program, which modernizes the weapons for use with allied aircraft, including UK Tornado and F-35 jets.
This development has significant implications for UK defence policy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has committed to maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent through Trident submarines, but the presence of US weapons on UK soil raises questions about the UK's nuclear sovereignty and its role within NATO.
Reactions and Implications
The revelation has sparked debate among politicians and anti-nuclear activists. Shadow Defence Secretary Mark Harper said the government must provide clarity: "The British people deserve to know what nuclear weapons are stored on their soil and under whose control." Meanwhile, Kate Hudson, general secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, called the news "deeply concerning" and urged the government to reject the deployment of US nuclear weapons.
The documents also highlight the UK's continued reliance on US nuclear capabilities, even as it maintains its own deterrent. The FAS report notes that the storage facilities are being upgraded, suggesting a long-term commitment to hosting US nuclear weapons. This could affect the UK's stance in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review process, as nuclear sharing arrangements are a contentious issue among NPT signatories.
Official Responses
The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment directly on the documents, reiterating its policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons. A spokesperson said: "The UK remains fully committed to its NATO obligations and maintains a credible independent nuclear deterrent. We do not comment on operational details." The US Department of Energy has not responded to requests for comment.
Analysts suggest that the disclosure may force the UK government to address the issue more openly, particularly as public interest in nuclear policy grows. The documents are likely to feature in upcoming parliamentary debates on defence spending and nuclear posture.
