Arrived! More than 7,000 US troops were activated in response to Russian nuclear threat

Dozens F-16 Fighter Jets Arrive Near Russian Border Amid Russian Nuclear Threats

Bulletin:Rapid Response to Russia's Deployment of Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus

In recent weeks,NATO has been bulking up its forces-especially on the Eastern Flank of the Alliance-apparently in response to Russia's threat to deploy,and then actual deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia has many more tactical nuclear weapons than NATO does.Last week,the NATO Nuclear Committee held its classified meeting and very likely discussed the potential crisis.* The US Air Force has deployed a squadron of eight fighter jets to Lithuania;the US Army deployed members of an Armored Brigade Combat Team to Germany;the British Army has been deployed to Poland;the US Army deployed a massive 5,000+ troops to Latvia's border,all in apparent response to the new threat.It is in line with Operation Atlantic Resolve,the deployment of US troops to reassure Allies and deter adversaries in light of Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine.The US has warned Russia that any use of tactical nuclear weapons would have unspecified devastating consequences for the Kremlin regime.* At the NATO Summit in Vilnius,Lithuania in July,NATO will agree further deterrence and defence measures in response to Russia's brutal war against Ukraine.* This blog is hearing about even more troop movements than these going on.

NATO Secretary General - Doorstep statement at Defence Ministers Meeting 15 JUN 2023

German Tornadoes In-Air Refuel Over Czechia (2022) - Panavia 200 NATO Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA),conventional/nuclear

NATO'S Nuclear Forces To Be Tested in Steadfast Noon 2022

From 17 to 30 October 2022,NATO'S nuclear forces will hold their annual deterrence exercise,Steadfast Noon.It always takes place in the autumn,and up to sixty aircraft will take part from fourteen NATO Allies,practising scenarios related to the deployment and delivery on a target of a tactical nuclear weapon,the US B61,the latest version of which,the B61-12,was to go into full production in May 2022.Besides the conventional/nuclear Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA),strictly conventional planes will also participate under NATO'S Support of Nuclear Operations With Conventional Air Tactics (SNOWCAT) programme.The SNOWCAT aircraft include Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) types and air refueling tankers,as well as conventional only fighter jets.The DCAs include the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;F-16C/D and up Fighting Falcon;Panavia 200 Tornado (Germany and Italy);F-22 Raptor;F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet;F-15E Strike Eagle;B-2 Spirit;and B-52H Stratofortress.The new B-21 Raider will be a DCA as well.* On 14 October,NATO'S Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) met on the sidelines of the Defence Ministerial in Brussels,Belgium.The proceedings are classified,but deal with any aspect of NATO'S nuclear deterrence programme,which is based on a dual key arrangement between the US and Allies Belgium,Germany,Italy,the Netherlands and Turkey.The US stores B61s in underground bunkers on air bases of the five respective Allies.All Allies except France take part in the NPG,which France has chosen not to participate in.* The drills will cover a large area,from host nation Belgium to the North Sea and UK.A different country is host each year.All participants work to ensure that NATO'S nuclear deterrent is safe,secure and effective.Under NATO'S new Strategic Concept,the fundamental purpose of NATO'S nuclear capability is to preserve peace,prevent coercion and deter aggression.As long as nuclear weapons exist,NATO will remain a nuclear Alliance.* On the air bases,the participants will practise the transport of the B61 up from its underground bunker and the mounting of it beneath the DCA.The bulk of the drills will take place more than 100 km/650 mi from Russia.Nuclear strike missions will be simulated,but no actual nuclear bombs will be utilised.* The B61 is 12 ft long and weighs 825 pounds.Its maximum explosive power is estimated to be 50 kilotons of TNT, but its yield can be reduced as needed.*

Upshot-Knothole - Grable 1080p ᴴᴰ BONUS FOOTAGE - The 280mm Nuclear Cannon - 25 May 1953,Camp Desert Rock,Nevada - The US Army tested its nuclear cannon,nick-named "Atomic Annie," in 1953,demonstrating what a tactical nuclear attack might be like.

US Air Force and NATO Upgrade Nuclear Readiness

Raytheon Intelligence and Space (RIS),a division of Raytheon Technologies,has installed the first Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (ASNT) system for the US Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana.Barksdale is home of 2nd Bomb Wing (2BW) and its approximately 44 B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers,as well as Air Force Global Strike Command.The project modernises existing protected communications systems,while adding new capabilities for both nuclear and non-nuclear Command and Control,the company explained in a news release on 11 April 2022: Global ASNT ensures robust communications to provide protected communications to nuclear bomber,missile and support aircraft crews in austere environments.* The Global ASNT system uses satellite communications to provide Command and Control,linking nuclear forces to national command authorities,operating on both MILSTAR and Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites.They provide critical data at the tactical edge for smart decision-making in near real-time.The nearly 600 million dollar contract supports the Air Force Global Strike Command (GSC).* RIS will complete three additional base installs to bring GSC up to Initital Operating Capability (IOC).A total of 90 terminals will be fielded in both fixed and transportable configurations by the end of 2023,according to RIS.RIS delivers disruptive technologies for success in any domain,against any challenge.It develops advanced sensors,cyber services and software solutions for a decisive advantage to its military customers,according to RIS.* A communications dish on the command post roof maintains the connection between the Global ASNT and nuclear Command,Control and Communications (C3).The system delIvers assured communications between national command authorities and strategic deterrence forces in a range of environments and circumstances,better connecting warfighters through improved information sharing.Using multiple satellite constellations provides resilience and redundancy in challenging circumstances,such as jamming or while coming under attack.* Along the same lines,NATO,as authorised by the NATO Nuclear Committee,has been upgrading its nuclear deterrence assets from Cold War standards since at least 2015,in the wake of Russia's first invasion of Ukraine.These assets are located on air bases in Belgium,Germany,Italy,the Netherlands,Turkey and,more recently,the UK.For exampe,new nuclear security perimeters for the Protective Aircraft Shelters (PAS) and the underground vaults that contain tactical nuclear weapons (US B61 bombs) that are sited beneath each PAS have been installed at Aviano Air Base,Italy and Incerlik Air Base,Turkey.The upgraded nuclear security perimeters include double fencing;lighting;cameras;intrusion detection;and a vehicle patrol road between the two fences,in accordance with US standards.As well,the B61 bombs are to be serviced in the PAS by the new Secure Transportable Maintenance System (STMS) trailers,and communications are being,or have been,modernised.* The US has recently begun the forward deployment of 24 USAF nuclear-capable Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters to RAF Lakenheath,England.There the extensive underground vaults are to be upgraded after having been removed from service in 2008 during an era of rising hopes for arms control.Now,however,Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the improved accuracy of its cruise missile guidance systems have made NATO rethink its requirements.So the Lakenheath bunkers are once again considered desirable,adding flexibility for tactical nuclear weapons storage in light of the heightened Russian capabilty and aggression near NATO'S Eastern Flank.In the event of a crisis,some of the weapons could be shifted around from the other nuclear air bases to RAF Lakenheath as needed,and the aircraft to deliver them would be readily available at RAF Lakenheath.Although Russian resort to nuclear weapons cannot be dismissed,the Intelligence Community does not assess that there is an acute threat of Russian use of tactical nuclear weapons at this time.* The new B61-12 tactical nucear weapons are considered superior because of lower yield;greater accuracy;and reliability for such missions as nuclear attack;earth-penetrating strikes;above surface detonation;and bunker-buster explosions.* Lockheed Martin (LMT),Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

Germany Selects Future Nuclear Strike Fighter

In a Bundeswehr (Federal Defence) Press Release,the German Ministry of Defence announced on 14 March 2022 it has selected the successor to the TORNADO weapon system.Secretary of Defence Christine Lambrecht has initiated the procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter for the task of nuclear sharing,saying: The F-35 offers unique potential for cooperation with our NATO Allies and other Partners in Europe.* So the F-35A beat out competitor the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.The ageing fleet of 93 Panavia TORNADO fighter bombers needs replacement,and the 35 F-35As will remain assertive in future scenarios,the possible missions in the context of national and Alliance defence.In light of the current security policy situation (Russian aggression against Ukraine),the F-35A is the right system for credible Alliance unity,capability and deterrence.* For the electronic warfare mission,the MOD will rely on further development of the Eurofighter Typhoon.This will serve until the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) debuts in 2040.Thus the two-fleet concept is sustained,which has proven itself in the Luftwaffe (Air Force) for decades and made an important contribution to the operational readiness and resilience of the combat aircraft fleet,the Bundeswehr said.* Under NATO'S dual key nuclear deterrent programme,the US B61-12 tactical nuclear weapon is stored on German bases,as well as bases in NATO Allies Belgium,Italy,the Netherlands and Turkey.In the event of a crisis,tactical nuclear weapons may be mounted on Alliance nuclear-capable aircraft.* Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA)

Pentagon Issues Nuclear Posture Review - where Russia and NATO fit in

The Pentagon has released its Nuclear Posture Review,dated February 2018.Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis contributed a preface to the document.Here are some excerpts of his thoughts on the subject:
This review comes at a critical moment in our nation's history,for America confronts an international security situation that is more complex and demanding than any since the end of the Cold War.In this environment,it is not possible to delay modernization of our nuclear forces if we are to preserve a credible nuclear deterrent-ensuring that our diplomats continue to speak from a position of strength on matters of war and peace.*
While Russia initially followed America's lead and made similarly sharp reductions in its strategic nuclear forces,it retained large numbers of non-strategic nuclear weapons as well as its other strategic systems.Even more troubling has been Russia's adoption of military strategies and capabilities that rely on nuclear escalation for their success.These developments,coupled with Russia's seizure of Crimea and nuclear threats against our allies,mark Moscow's decided return to Great Power Competition.*
This review confirms the finding of previous NPRs that the nuclear triad (sea,air and land-based systems) - supported by NATO dual-capable aircraft and a robust nuclear command and control system - is the most cost effective and strategically sound means of ensuring nuclear deterrence.To remain effective,however,we must recapitalize our Cold War legacy nuclear forces.*
Modernizing our dual-capable fighter bombers will maintain the strength of NATO's deterrence posture and maintain our ability to forward deploy nuclear weapons,should the security situation demand it.*
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the vital role our Soldiers,Sailors,Airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen,and civilians play in making a safe,secure and ready nuclear force.Without their ceaseless and often unheralded efforts,America would not possess a nuclear deterrent.At the end of the day,deterrence comes down to the men and women in uniform - in silos,in the air,and beneath the sea.
To each and every one of them,I wish to express my personal respect and that of a grateful and safe nation.
                                                                     
                                                                         Signed,
                                                                        Jim Mattis*
According to NATO:
Nuclear weapons are a core component of NATO's overall capabilities for deterrence and defence,alongside conventional and missile defence forces.The circumstances in which any use of nuclear weapons might have to be contemplated are extremely remote.
Strategic nuclear forces:
As stated in the 2010 Strategic Concept:
The supreme guarantee of the security of the Allies is provided by the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance,particularly those of the US;the independent strategic nuclear forces of the UK and France,which have a deterrent role of their own,contribute to the overall deterrence and security of the Allies.
Dual-capable aircraft:
A number of NATO member countries contribute a dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability to the Alliance.These aircraft are available for nuclear roles at various levels of readiness - the highest level of readiness is measured in weeks.In their nuclear role,the aircraft are equipped to carry nuclear bombs and personnel are trained accordingly.The US maintains absolute control and custody of the associated nuclear weapons.
Allies provide military support for the DCA mission with conventional forces and capabilities.*
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative think tank:
About 150 US gravity bomb B-61 warheads are currently stored in Europe.
There are six nuclear weapon facilities in five NATO countries:Belgium;Germany;Italy;the Netherlands;and Turkey.
Dual-capable aircraft currently include:US F-15 E;F-16 C/Ds;Belgian,Dutch and Turkish F-16s;German and Italian PA-200 Tornados*
The US Coast Guard helps provide security for US ballistic missile submarine bases,plus emergency support for the subs such as medevac as needed.

NATO's Steadfast Noon 17:Nuclear Deterrence in the Heart of Europe

On 16 October 2017,NATO commenced its annual nuclear deterrence exercise,Steadfast Noon 17.The drill is perhaps the most cryptic of the NATO exercises,its details held very close to the vest.Revolving around a fictitious scenario,it is being lumped in with the biennial Exercise Formidable Shield 17 this year,an exercise focused on missile and air defence.FS 17 ends on 18 October,so perhaps Steadfast Noon will as well.
Typically SN involves launching and recovering a number of nuclear-capable fighters,such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the PA200 Tornado.There may also be support aircraft code-named SNOWCAT in the drill.*
Partcipating in Formidable Shield 17 are Canada,France,Germany,the Netherlands,the US and the UK.Poland has participated in Steadfast Noon since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014,and since it is being held in Belgium and Germany this year,those two Allies will certainly be participating.It has rarely been filmed,but I did locate some quality videos of the 2011 and 2012 drills by airplane enthusiast MrSoeberg.*
The US stores between 150-180 B61 nuclear bombs at six air bases in five European countries,the Congressional Research Service revealed.Among them is Belgium's Kleine Brogel Air Base.Belgium is intent on keeping the powerful weapons on its soil,where it has a nuclear dual key arrangement with the US.This may incline Belgium to select the F-35 Lightning II for the upcoming modernisation of its fighter jet fleet.*
German and Italian  IDS PA200 Tornados are capable of deploying the B61.Other aircraft known to be capable of handling this bunker buster,tactical nuclear weapon are:
B-52 Stratofortress;B-2 Spirit;F-16 Fighting Falcon;F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet;F-22 Raptor;F-35 Lightning II;F-15E Strike Eagle.NATO is modernising its stockpile to the more accurate B61 Mod 12,which is a standoff weapon.The current Mod 11 is an unguided gravity weapon with a yield that varies from 0.3 to 340 kilotons.*
The following Allies have been assigned NATO nuclear strike missions:Belgium;Germany;Italy;the Netherlands;possibly Turkey;and the US.