A NATO stealth fighter, armed with the deadly B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb, has been approved to carry nuclear weapons as conflicts between Russia and NATO reach a breaking point.
The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter has been approved to carry nuclear weapons, making it the first stealth fighter of its class to do so.
F-35A Achieves Historic Nuclear Certification
The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter has attained Nuclear Certification, marking a historic milestone as the first 5th generation nuclear-capable aircraft and the initial platform to achieve such status since the early 1990s.
The F-35 Nuclear Certification effort, spanning over a decade, involved collaboration among 16 government and industry stakeholders, solidifying its crucial role in supporting US extended deterrence commitments and bolstering NATO's defense capabilities.
As geopolitical tensions intensify between NATO and Russia, this strategic move coincides with heightened concerns following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The certification underscores the F-35A's advanced capabilities, providing the US and NATO with a critical advantage to navigate the evolving security landscape.
At the same time, Sweden formally became a part of the NATO alliance, moving away from years of neutrality. Sweden's decision to join the alliance reflects the country's dedication to "unity and solidarity," as selected by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The addition of Sweden was praised by US President Joe Biden, strengthening NATO's solidarity in upholding freedom and democracy amidst increasing challenges.
Meanwhile, Lithuania revealed its use of a new air defense system, withholding details about the present Western nations while verifying the presence of Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.
The choice is intended to strengthen air defense capabilities, with the anticipation of continued support beyond the initial placements. This defense initiative is viewed as a proactive measure in response to potential threats, demonstrating NATO's dedication to protecting its eastern borders, according to Express.
NATO Intensifies Eastern Border Defenses
NATO has been aggressively improving its defensive systems along the eastern border in the face of growing tensions. More than 90,000 troops from all 32 member states took part in spring training exercises that worked on countries surrounding Russia, such as the Baltic nations and Poland.
This joint endeavor showcases NATO's dedication to upholding a strong defense stance in the face of changing geopolitical challenges.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, vocal advocates within NATO, have consistently urged the alliance to prepare for potential escalations in the region. Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service has sounded alarms, suggesting Russia's preparations for war against NATO countries within the next decade.
The alliance's unwavering support for Ukraine has strained relations with Moscow, with Russian President Vladimir Putin attributing the conflict's continuation to NATO's influence on Ukraine.
The Kremlin has warned about potential NATO army intervention in Ukraine, highlighting the need to stop Russia from declaring triumph, even as NATO stays cautious in the face of uncertainty.
Even though NATO nations have not shown intentions for direct participation, French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that "nothing should be excluded" highlights the alliance's dedication to considering every opportunity for dealing with an evolving geopolitical situation, Newsweek reported.
