The United States Department of Defense received the last batch of these bombs in December last year. The exact number of bombs produced has not yet been disclosed.
The United States began deploying a modified B61 nuclear bomb in the B61-12 version to European countries. This was announced on Saturday, January 18, by the head of the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA), Jill Gruby.
“The new B61-12s are being put in full size on the front lines,” he said.
Gruby noted that information about their number is classified.
It is known that the new B61-12 aerial bombs, after undergoing modernization, have less power (0.3-50 kilotons). However, they have a new tail unit, which makes the aerial bomb more controllable and accurate, which makes it possible not to drop it with a parachute, but to drop the charge directly from the aircraft, after which it flies independently a great distance. in the matter.
As of 2023, there are approximately 100 older variants of the B61 – B61-3/-4 tactical bombs in European warehouses. 15 nuclear bombs were placed on air bases at Büchel in Rhineland-Pfalke (Germany), Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Volkel (Netherlands) and Gedi (Italy) and 20 bombs on air bases Aviano (Italy) and Incirlik from F- 35A, F-15E, F-16 aircraft and Tornado.
Ukrainians generally support the restoration of nuclear weapons, which Ukraine abandoned 30 years ago under the Budapest Memorandum.
Let’s remember that in Russia the share of supporters of nuclear escalation in the war against Ukraine has increased. The use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine is considered acceptable by 39% of Russians.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.