The United States of America has positioned roughly 100 updated B61-12 tactical nuclear aerial bombs at European military installations. This intelligence emerged via “Interfax,” citing sources from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the Federation of American Scientists.
Military sites in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy house around 10–15 units of these devices. Concurrently, 20–30 bombs are stationed across Italy and Turkey. These munitions can be transported by tactical fighter jets, such as the F-35A, F-15E, F-16, and Tornado.
The modernized B61-12 bombs have superseded prior versions 3, 4, 7, and 10. These newer models feature lower yields, ranging from 0.3–50 kilotons, but boast enhanced guidance and precision. They can be released from aircraft at greater altitudes without needing a parachute. Following deployment, they are able to autonomously glide toward the target, adjusting their course as needed.
Experts speculate the USA might also deploy an additional 15–20 B61-12 bombs at the Lakenheath military base in the United Kingdom. Last July, London was contemplating the prospect of acquiring American combat aircraft adapted for carrying nuclear ordnance.
It was previously revealed that the US State Department approved a potential transaction to sell South Korea over 600 GBU-39 precision-guided bombs, valued close to $112 million. Furthermore, it authorized the potential sale of 100 JASSM air-to-surface missiles to Italy.
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