US sends nuclear weapons to UK in secretive RAF Lakenheath flight

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Declassified UK
23 Jul 2025 11:47
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Under the radar, the US has flown deadly nuclear weapons to the UK, raising serious questions about sovereignty, transparency, and the looming threat of nuclear conflict.

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In this image provided by the US Air Force, a US Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, takes off in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization enhanced air policing missions with the Polish Air Force at Lask Air Base, Poland, Feb. 15, 2022. (AP)

Newly uncovered evidence shows the United States has transferred nuclear weapons to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, raising alarm over secretive transatlantic deployments and escalating concerns about NATO’s nuclear strategy, Declassified UK reported, citing Nukewatch UK.

On July 17, a massive US Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport plane (flight RCH4574) landed at Lakenheath, carrying a cargo of grave geopolitical significance: nuclear weapons with a destructive power estimated at three times that of the Hiroshima bomb, Declassified UK reported. Despite being physically on British soil, these weapons remain under the sole control of US President Donald Trump and can be deployed without consent from the UK government, the report noted.

Nukewatch UK, a specialist nuclear monitoring organization, meticulously tracked the flight from its origin at Lewis–McChord Air Force Base in Washington state. After departing on July 15, the aircraft made a key stop at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, home to the Air Force’s largest nuclear storage and maintenance complex.

Here, the plane likely loaded up to 20 B61-12 nuclear bombs, the latest generation of American tactical nuclear weapons, Nukewatch revealed, as cited by Declassified. Completed in December 2024, the B61-12 features advanced guidance systems enhancing its accuracy, and it is currently being rolled out to replace older bomb variants across NATO bases.

The loading process at Kirtland was shrouded in high security. The aircraft was stationed on the designated hazardous cargo pad, with warnings issued to avoid overflight and ground personnel strictly monitoring the operation. The flight departed that evening, its pilot notifying air traffic control of the “haz cargo” onboard.

Transatlantic journey and arrival

The plane traversed the Atlantic overnight, refueling mid-air from two KC-46 tanker aircraft. A second C-17 left Lewis–McChord simultaneously as a backup, diverting through Ramstein Air Base in Germany and briefly stopping at Lakenheath itself, potentially carrying nuclear emergency equipment, the report detailed.

Upon arrival at RAF Lakenheath, security was exceptionally tight. The aircraft was parked at ‘Victor Ramp,’ a zone reserved for handling dangerous materials, it added. Multiple USAF patrols and plainclothes agents secured the perimeter, while fire safety teams stood ready. Specialized equipment, including aerial munitions lift trucks, was deployed to offload the bombs.

The nuclear weapons were transferred to a nearby hardened aircraft shelter, disappearing from public view, Declassified wrote. Meanwhile, a strict no-fly zone of 2.5 nautical miles was enforced around the base, which saw no other flight operations during the unloading.

After a brief stay, the plane returned to Lewis–McChord on July 18.

Context and implications

RAF Lakenheath is home to US F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35A Lightning jets, both certified to carry the B61-12 bomb. Although nuclear weapons were previously stationed there during the Cold War, they were quietly withdrawn in 2008 amid US arsenal consolidation in Europe.

However, since 2022, the base has undergone significant nuclear-related upgrades, including reinforced shelters and specialized dormitories for personnel cleared for nuclear duties. These developments fueled speculation about a nuclear return, and Nukewatch’s monitoring confirms these fears.

The 62nd Airlift Wing, responsible for this mission, regularly conducts so-called Prime Nuclear Airlift flights, ferrying nuclear materials and personnel to NATO bases. Such flights have grown more complex, featuring multiple aircraft and in-flight refueling to meet operational demands.

Recent exercises at Lakenheath, including a major security drill in June 2025, likely served as preparation for this deployment, underscoring the base’s renewed nuclear role. Days before the arrival, a “quiet hour” briefing informed base personnel of the imminent mission.

What this means for Europe and the UK

Nukewatch stresses that this deployment is independent of the UK government’s recent announcement that it will purchase a small fleet of nuclear-capable F-35A jets for the Royal Air Force. The UK has not yet acquired these aircraft, and extensive US-mandated training and certification are required before the RAF can participate in NATO’s nuclear mission.

Moreover, the operational doctrine for any British nuclear role remains undeveloped, and it is unclear whether UK officials have been fully briefed on the weapons’ presence at Lakenheath.

Beyond political questions, Nukewatch issues stark warnings about the risks. The stationing of nuclear weapons on British soil significantly increases the risk of catastrophic nuclear conflict or accident, potentially turning Europe into a radioactive wasteland.

Suspicious deployment

Perhaps most alarmingly, neither the US nor UK governments have adequately informed their citizens or legislative bodies about these deployments, raising serious democratic and security concerns.

Prime Nuclear Airlift missions like this one are expected to continue regularly, ferrying critical components such as tritium, a radioactive gas essential for boosting nuclear yields that requires frequent replenishment, along with maintenance crews and emergency response teams.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the covert transfer of US nuclear weapons to Europe and the increasing militarization of sites like RAF Lakenheath raise serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the shifting contours of NATO’s nuclear posture.