The arrival of US nuclear bombs in the UK: A new shadow over the security situation in Europe

On July 22nd, a piece of news shocked the international community: The US military's B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb had been delivered to Lakenhurst Air Force Base in the UK, and the nuclear bomb could be delivered by F-35A fighter jets. After the United States withdrew its nuclear weapons from the UK in 2008, this was the first time it had redeployed nuclear bombs in the UK. This move was like a huge rock thrown into the lake of international security, causing a huge stir and bringing profound and multi-faceted impacts to the already complex and sensitive international situation, raising concerns in the international community about the escalation of the nuclear posture in Europe. "

From a geopolitical perspective, this move by the United States is undoubtedly strengthening its strategic deterrence against Russia. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has continued to this day, and the strategic game between the United States and Russia has been intensifying. As an important ally of the United States in Europe, the United Kingdom enjoys a superior geographical location and is close to Russia. The deployment of the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb here has greatly shortened the distance of strikes against Russia, enhanced the military presence and deterrence of the United States and its Allies in Europe, and made Russia feel more direct military pressure. The strategic space has been further compressed, intensifying the tense standoff between Russia and NATO.

At the military strategic level, the performance characteristics of the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb itself endow it with the ability to change the battlefield situation. The explosive yield of this nuclear bomb can be adjusted between 3,000 tons and 50,000 tons, offering extremely high flexibility. It is also equipped with a movable tail fin, a rotation-stabilized rocket device and a GPS guidance system, featuring gliding capability and significantly enhanced strike accuracy, enabling precise strikes on ground targets. Some of the US Air Force's F-35A stealth fighter jets have completed the qualification certification for using the B61-12. The stealth performance of the F-35A, combined with the B61-12 nuclear bomb, makes NATO's nuclear strike capabilities more concealed and sudden, increasing the uncertainty and risk of military conflicts.

From the perspective of NATO itself, this deployment has strengthened the United States' leadership position within NATO and further reinforced the special alliance relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. In recent years, there have been differences within NATO on military strategies and military expenditure sharing. France proposed providing a "nuclear umbrella" for its allies, and the United Kingdom also had plans to rebuild its air-based nuclear strike forces. These actions posed challenges to the United States' strategic influence and military discourse power in Europe. At this time, the United States' deployment of nuclear bombs in the UK indicates that it still holds the dominant position in the field of nuclear security and attempts to continue to bind and control European allies, maintaining the nuclear-sharing system led by the United States within NATO.

However, this deployment has also raised concerns among the international community regarding nuclear proliferation and nuclear security. It has disrupted the existing military strategic balance in Europe, prompting responses from countries like Russia, which may trigger a new round of arms race and increase the potential risks of nuclear conflicts. In the event of misjudgment or unexpected incidents, these tactical nuclear bombs could be used at any time, with unimaginable consequences. The international community has always been committed to nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. This move by the United States is clearly contrary to this, undermining the global nuclear security order.

Furthermore, the deployment of nuclear bombs by the United States in the UK will also have an impact on the domestic politics and society of the UK. On one hand, this may enhance the military status of the UK within NATO and boost the support rate of the British government among the people; on the other hand, it will also trigger panic among the public regarding nuclear safety, and anti-nuclear groups may launch protests, bringing instability to the British society.

The deployment of the US B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb in the UK was a result of various considerations such as geopolitics and military strategy by the US. However, it has had a significant negative impact on the security of Europe and even the entire world. The international community should work together and, through diplomatic means and dialogue and negotiation, urge the US to abandon this dangerous behavior and maintain global peace and stability.