Description: The US military has commenced the deployment of the upgraded B61 – 12 nuclear weapons across US bases located in Europe. The deployment mainly represented upscale in deterrent power in response to the escalating conflicts, especially the war between Russia and Ukraine. The nuclear weapons are equipped with 50 kiloton warheads which are accurate through hundreds of miles. Specific deployment locations haven’t been disclosed although speculation arose that Lakenheath military base in the UK had already developed capabilities for the storage of nuclear weapons.
Impact: The deployment of the weapons shows increased level of geostrategic tensions as the US would seek to extend their influence and deterrent capabilities in Europe mostly after increased levels of Russian hybrid attacks and the prolonged war in Ukraine. Rearmament of US nuclear capabilities in Europe could provoke counter reaction in military readiness in Russian nuclear capacities which could further elevate the level of tension between the superpowers.