US strengthens European nuclear deterrent with B61-12 deployment

The United States has deployed approximately 100 upgraded tactical nuclear bombs in the B61-12 configuration across six military bases in Europe, marking a significant modernization of its forward-deployed nuclear arsenal.

According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the Federation of American Scientists, 10–15 bombs are stationed at air bases in Büchel, Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany), Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Volkel (the Netherlands), and Ghedi (Italy). Meanwhile, Aviano Air Base in Italy and Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye each host 20–30 bombs. These weapons can be carried by tactical aircraft including the F-35A, F-15E, F-16, and Tornado fighters, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The B61-12 bombs, which replace older variants B61-3, B61-4, B61-7, and B61-10, have a lower explosive yield ranging from 0.3 to 50 kilotons. This reduction in yield is offset by advanced tail-fin guidance, which allows the bomb to glide accurately toward its target from high altitudes without requiring parachute deployment. The system enables autonomous trajectory adjustments over long distances to enhance precision.

In January 2025, the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which oversees nuclear weapons production, confirmed the start of the deployment of these modernized bombs in Europe. “The new B61-12s are being fully deployed at forward positions,” stated Jill Hruby, then head of the NNSA.

The NNSA also reported that the Pentagon received the final batch of B61-12 bombs in December 2024. The total number of bombs produced with the new plutonium core at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, remains undisclosed.

By Vafa Guliyeva