🇧🇪 Belgium Nuclear Warheads Hosted

Belgium hosts U.S. tactical nuclear weapons at Kleine Brogel Air Base, located in Limburg province near Peer. It is one of five NATO "nuclear sharing" sites, where U.S.-owned B61 gravity bombs are stored under strict dual-key protocols—requiring both U.S. and Belgian authorization before use.

Weapon Type & Quantity

• Weapon type: B61 tactical nuclear bombs (variants B61‑3 and B61‑4), soon to be upgraded to the guided B61‑12 version.
• Estimated stockpile: Approximately 20 bombs are assigned to Belgian forces at Kleine Brogel.
• Storage capacity: The base has 11 secure WS3 vaults, each capable of holding four bombs, for a total capacity of 44 weapons.

Security Infrastructure & Readiness

In recent years, Kleine Brogel has undergone significant security upgrades: a new drive-through facility for nuclear convoy support, hardened vaults with advanced alarm and communication systems, and expanded Vehicle Storage Vaults—all enhancing tactical readiness and resilience. The Belgian 10th Tactical Wing (F-16) and a U.S. Munitions Support Squadron jointly manage these weapons under NATO oversight.

Role in NATO Exercises

Belgium regularly participates in nuclear readiness drills like Steadfast Noon. In 2022, the exercise was hosted at Kleine Brogel, involving approximately 60 aircraft from 14 countries training in handling and deploying nuclear ordnance—underscoring the operational significance of the Belgian site.