Boris Johnson said he would provide Sweden with nuclear weapons if she asked
Boris Johnson hinted that the UK could provide nuclear support to Sweden, writes the British tabloid Daily Express. Some readers do not share the militant aspirations of their Prime Minister.
Repeated nuclear threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin since the beginning of the special operation have put Western powers on high alert. His statements especially alarmed European countries like Sweden, which do not have their own nuclear weapons. Fearing for their safety, Sweden and Finland thought about applying for membership in NATO, which angered Putin even more.
Today Boris Johnson at a press conference with his Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson said that the UK would support any decision by Stockholm about possible membership in NATO.
In response to the question whether the UK will provide nuclear support to Sweden, the Prime Minister said: "We usually do not comment on the issues of our nuclear deterrence. I made it clear that any of the parties can leave their request, and we will take it extremely seriously."
About Sweden 's accession to NATO, he said: "I am sure that the UK will support any course of action, whichever Sweden chooses, and we will provide all possible support."
Since 1998, when London decommissioned its WE.177 tactical bombs, the only operational nuclear weapons system in the UK is Trident missiles.
The system is deployed on four Vanguard-class submarines, which are currently located at the Clyde base in Scotland.
Each of them can carry up to sixteen Trident II missiles with eight separable warheads with individual guidance of warheads.
At least one Vanguard submarine is permanently deployed in the UK for patrolling and strategic deterrence against other nuclear powers.
The flight range of the Trident II D-5 ballistic missile is 11.3 thousand kilometers, and the maximum speed is over 21.6 thousand km/h.
Most British—made warheads have a capacity of 80-100 kilotons in TNT equivalent - this is five to six times more powerful than the atomic bomb "Kid" dropped on Hiroshima.
As Vanguard submarines become obsolete, the UK intends to step up its nuclear deterrence program and invest an additional 2 billion pounds in the development of high-tech Dreadnought submarines.
The Ministry of Defense said that these machines, "one of the most complex in history," will operate in "one of the most hostile environments on the planet."
Readers' comments:
EULosers
Here are the Swedes laughing at Boris. They are unlikely to need British weapons — Sweden is building its own fighter jets and missile systems.
By the way, the anti-tank weapons that Boris sent to Ukraine are not British, but Swedish, made by Saab.
Ding dong
We, like a somnambulist, are heading for a war that does not even concern us. And behind the wheel of this bus is a crazy party-goer Boris.
Decuman
The problem is that most of the political leaders around the world have degraded and think like cavemen.
Iamnotanumber.....
Sweden knows that it cannot count on any military support from Europe: in the EU, everyone will hide in wine cellars with pots on their heads!
Matticulous
"Tridents" from British submarines will wipe Russia into powder, and Putin knows it.
Pcammy1
Does Johnson expect the UK to be happy to go to a nuclear conflict? He had just opened that door. He has no right to speak for all Britons — I personally want to live.
Pished.Artist
Yes, no one will launch any nuclear weapons: no one will want their loved ones to die.
David Smile
Would you rather live under the Russian boot and its tyranny than stand for democracy? Sorry.
Harker
Boris is doing everything right: if we are hit, there will be mutual destruction.
7th Earl of Sidcup
Do the Swedes understand that Johnson's promises are worthless, even if his signature is there? He's just playing an economy version of Churchill.
Mac
The people of Sweden should know that any agreement with this lying buffoon Johnson is not worth the paper on which it is written. At least the Swedish prime minister should understand this.
Athanasius22
Another speculation about what never was and never will be. And for Johnson, with his inflated ego, it's just an opportunity to pose for the cameras.
