B61 nuclear bomb

In August 2025, the US successfully tested the B61-12 tactical thermonuclear aerial bomb without a warhead at a test site in Nevada. The tests were conducted by F-35 fighters and confirmed the reliability of the weapon system.

US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that nuclear arsenal tests are necessary to verify "functional serviceability." This statement came after Donald Trump announced plans to resume nuclear testing.

The US has likely deployed nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time since 2008, signaling to Russia its commitment to European security. This is confirmed by the flight of a military transport aircraft from a US nuclear base to the British airbase Lakenheath, where millions are being invested in upgrading security facilities.

Retired British Army Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon believes that Russia is seriously considering a scenario of a nuclear strike on Ukraine. He emphasizes that the creation of a Franco-British nuclear alliance could become a deterrent for the Kremlin.

The United Kingdom plans to acquire 12 F-35A fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will expand the country's deterrence arsenal. This decision is part of a significant strengthening of the UK's nuclear position and its contribution to NATO.

The United Kingdom is in talks with the Pentagon to purchase American F-35A stealth fighters that can launch tactical nuclear weapons. These aircraft will become the second pillar of nuclear deterrence.

The United States has announced plans to mass-produce the latest B61-13 thermonuclear bombs as early as the end of May 2025. The development is ahead of schedule due to the use of B61-12 developments.