The US has deployed about 100 modernized tactical nuclear air bombs B61 in the B61-12 version at bases in Europe. This is reported by the media, citing data from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the Federation of American Scientists.
There are 10-15 bombs at air bases in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. 20-30 bombs are deployed in Italy and Turkey. They can be carried by tactical fighters F-35A, F-15E, F-16, and Tornado.
The modified air bombs B61-12 have replaced versions 3, 4, 7, and 10. Compared to them, they have a lower yield (0.3-50 kilotons), while being more maneuverable and accurate. The new bombs can be dropped from an aircraft flying at high altitude without parachutes. After that, they autonomously glide towards the target, slightly adjusting their course if necessary.
Experts do not rule out that the US has deployed another 15-20 B61-12 air bombs at the Lakenheath airbase in the UK. Last July, London considered the possibility of acquiring American fighters capable of carrying nuclear bombs.
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