The US is planning to station nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time in 15 years amid a growing threat from Russia, according to a report.
RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk would be home to warheads with three times the power of the Hiroshima bomb, the Telegraph reported.
The US previously placed nuclear missiles there, removing them in 2008 when the Cold War threat from Moscow had receded.
Pentagon documents seen by the paper reveal procurement contracts for a new facility at the airbase in East Anglia.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “It remains a longstanding UK and Nato policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a given location.”
It comes after a top Nato military official warned that all-out war with Russia is a possibility within the next 20 years.
Admiral Rob Bauer told reporters private citizens need to ready themselves for a potential conflict that would change their lives.
The Dutch naval officer, who is chairman of Nato’s Military Committee, warned that large groups of people would need to mobilise in the event of war and authorities must ensure systems are in place to manage it.
He praised Sweden for its move in asking all residents to brace themselves for war ahead of the nation joining the alliance.
Earlier this week, General Sir Patrick Sanders, the outgoing head of the British Army, said its 74,000-strong ranks need to be bolstered by at least 45,000 reservists and citizens in order to be better readied for possible conflict.
The outgoing Chief of the General Staff, said increasing Army numbers ahead of a potential conflict would need to be a “whole-of-nation undertaking”.
Downing Street has ruled out any move towards conscription, saying that Army service will remain voluntary.
Carlos Del Toro, the US navy secretary, has urged the UK to “reassess” the size of its armed forces given “the threats that exist today”.
Downing Street defended the UK Government’s spending on defence, saying Britain has been Washington’s “partner of choice” in its strikes against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea because of its “military strength”.
Source: Forces
