US to deploy second F-35 squadron to UK

The U.S. Air Force plans to base a second squadron of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK, according to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The announcement comes from Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, Commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), in his statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 3, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Gen. Cavoli confirmed that the first F-35 squadron at RAF Lakenheath, the 495th Fighter Squadron, is already fully operational. The second squadron, the 493rd Fighter Squadron, is expected to achieve full operational capability by this fall. Together, the two squadrons will operate a total of 52 F-35s, with the 495th squadron being the first USAF squadron to operate the F-35A overseas since its reactivation in October 2021.

These F-35s will add significant fifth-generation airpower to the U.S. Air Force's presence in Europe, a key strategic location in proximity to Russia. Last year, several F-35s from RAF Lakenheath were deployed to Poland, showcasing their versatility and readiness in the region.

RAF Lakenheath, which is home to the 48th Fighter Wing, currently houses a mix of squadrons, including two with F-15E Strike Eagles. The addition of the F-35s strengthens the U.S. Air Force's ability to maintain air superiority in Europe.

There is also growing speculation that RAF Lakenheath may soon house nuclear weapons to equip the F-35s. The stealth fighters are the only fifth-generation aircraft certified to carry nuclear weapons, specifically the B61-12 gravity bomb, which has a blast yield of approximately 50 kilotons.

Currently, only select Air Force units have the capability to carry these weapons, though all F-35As are expected to be equipped with the necessary hardware and software to deploy the B61-12 in the future.

By Khagan Isayev