The suspected delivery follows years of infrastructure upgrades at RAF Lakenheath. Pentagon budget documents had previously revealed multi-million-dollar investments in “surety” facilities—used to secure nuclear assets—at the base. Although the U.S. and U.K. maintain a long-standing policy of not commenting on nuclear deployments, open-source tracking data confirmed the C-17’s route and identification.

Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists stated there are “strong indications” the aircraft delivered B61-12 bombs. The flight did not cross any third-country airspace, reinforcing speculation that this was a direct nuclear weapons transfer. William Alberque of the Pacific Forum added that the flight’s visibility was likely intentional, serving as a public signal to Moscow that the U.S. is not retreating from Europe’s nuclear defense.

The B61-12 is a new-generation gravity bomb with variable yields from 0.3 to 50 kilotons and enhanced accuracy. According to Kristensen, the U.K. delivery would expand NATO’s nuclear arsenal to seven bases across six countries.

Strategic Shift Includes RAF Return To Nuclear Role

Alongside the suspected weapons transfer, the U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed its plan to purchase at least a dozen U.S.-made F-35A fighter jets, which are capable of carrying B61-12 bombs. The ministry described this as a reintroduction of a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force, ending a 30-year absence since Britain retired its own air-launched nuclear weapons after the Cold War.

According to a recent MoD policy document, NATO’s deterrence relies on U.S. nuclear deployments and allied infrastructure support. The move reflects a shift toward flexible deterrence options within Europe.

Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute said the B61-12 enhances NATO’s tactical range and addresses Russia’s numerical superiority in theater-level nuclear systems. The aircraft’s compatibility with multiple NATO platforms provides the alliance with broader strategic options in response to Russian aggression.

U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has intensified pressure on Moscow, threatening additional economic penalties if Russia fails to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire. This broader posture includes enhanced military support to Ukraine and a reassessment of nuclear force positioning in Europe.