🇳🇱 Netherlands Nuclear Warheads Hosted

Volkel Air Base, located in the province of North Brabant, serves as the Netherlands' primary nuclear-sharing facility under NATO’s dual-key system. U.S.-owned B61 tactical nuclear bombs are securely stored there, controlled by the U.S. 703rd Munitions Support Squadron and guarded in close cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). Under wartime authorization, Dutch F-16 pilots from the 311th and 312th squadrons would be certified to deliver these weapons.

Weapon Stockpile & Infrastructure

Former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers publicly acknowledged in 2013 the presence of 22 B61 bombs at Volkel—a figure corroborated by parliamentary reports cited in a 2019 NATO document. These weapons are stored in 11 WS3 vaults, each hidden beneath Protective Aircraft Shelters. While the system can hold up to 44 bombs, current reporting indicates actual stockpiles remain around the 20-bomb mark.

Security Measures & Upgrades

Volkel has implemented significant security enhancements, including reinforced perimeter defenses, restricted observation sites, upgraded tarmac to accommodate C-17 transport aircraft, and improved alarm systems linked to the WS3 vaults. Observations from 2021 revealed a mix of “hot” and “cold” vaults, indicating active and inactive warhead storage. These upgrades complement the vaults’ embedded electronic surveillance and Permissive Action Links (PALs), ensuring tightly controlled access.

Delivery Readiness & NATO Exercises

Dutch F-16s from squadrons 311 and 312 are certified under NATO nuclear weapon delivery protocols. Training includes regular loading of BDU-38 dummy bombs and participation in NATO exercises such as "Steadfast Noon." Since 2021, Volkel also began preparing for the integration of the new B61-12 guided nuclear bomb, paving the way for future F-35 deployment.