The number of US airmen embroiled in a nuclear cheating scandal has doubled to several dozen, officials speaking on condition of anonymity say. Thirty-four US Air Force officers in charge of launching nuclear missiles were suspended earlier this month. They are accused of cheating in monthly proficiency tests.

The US Air Force said some staff had texted answers to the routine tests to others, while others had known about the cheating but failed to report it. The ranks included captains.

The allegations emerged during investigations into alleged drug use by personnel at other bases. It was not immediately clear whether the additional 30 or so airmen implicated were alleged to have participated in the cheating or were involved in an indirect way.

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