Pentagon deems Lakenheath base unsuitable for nuclear weapons

The United States has concluded that RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, eastern England, is unsuitable for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing concerns over outdated infrastructure and inadequate equipment.

The assessment, reported by The Daily Mail after reviewing Pentagon documents, highlights that the building intended to serve as the main command centre has “expired its service life,” even though it remains structurally sound.

Air cooling and filtration systems were also deemed insufficient to support operations in a secure information centre.

The documents further note that some personnel involved in American nuclear operations would be unable to access essential facilities quickly in a hypothetical “Armageddon-style” scenario.

Under a $264 million Pentagon plan to modernise the base through to 2031, at least six existing buildings would be demolished, while protected intelligence facilities would be constructed and the surrounding area fortified against hostile electromagnetic attacks.

RAF Lakenheath has a long history of housing nuclear weapons, beginning in 1949, although they were removed 18 years ago. The UK’s current nuclear arsenal is carried on four Vanguard-class submarines armed with American Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles.

By Aghakazim Guliyev