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MINSK, 25 April (BelTA) – Washington has intensified the work to check readiness of America's nuclear triad components, Belarusian President and Chairman of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the meeting of the Congress on 25 April, BelTA has learned.
“Washington has significantly stepped up the work to check the readiness of components of its nuclear triad. Tactical nuclear weapons stationed on the territory of NATO member states are being upgraded at an accelerated pace,” the president noted.
“Washington has significantly stepped up the work to check the readiness of components of its nuclear triad. Tactical nuclear weapons stationed on the territory of NATO member states are being upgraded at an accelerated pace,” the president noted.
The head of state cited some figures. According to him, more than 200 missiles and bombs are deployed at European air bases, including the Kleine Brogel Air Base (Belgium) - 20 items, Büchel Air Base (Germany) - 20, Aviano Air Base (Italy) - 60, Ghedi Air Base (Italy) - 30, Incirlik Air Base (Türkiye) - 50, Volkel Air Base (Netherlands) - 20.
“We have counted every single one of them,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
“Last year, the airborne nuclear bombs kept at the Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands were replaced with modern, more powerful ammunition. Now they plan to upgrade tactical nuclear weapons in other countries. In the future, tactical nuclear weapons might be placed on the UK territory. In the second half of the year the White House plans to deploy dual-capable F-35 fighter jets certified as nuclear weapon carriers to the Lakenheath Royal Air Force in the UK. If they don’t want escalation and are against the use of nuclear weapons, why are they doing this?” asked the president.
“Last year, the airborne nuclear bombs kept at the Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands were replaced with modern, more powerful ammunition. Now they plan to upgrade tactical nuclear weapons in other countries. In the future, tactical nuclear weapons might be placed on the UK territory. In the second half of the year the White House plans to deploy dual-capable F-35 fighter jets certified as nuclear weapon carriers to the Lakenheath Royal Air Force in the UK. If they don’t want escalation and are against the use of nuclear weapons, why are they doing this?” asked the president.
