The US is considering increased deployment of nuclear weapons to additional NATO member states across Europe, as it seeks to reassure allies that a reduction in American troops would not weaken its security commitment.
US officials have indicated they are open to considering an expansion beyond the six countries that currently host aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The highly confidential talks may not lead to any policy change. However, they come as European allies grow increasingly uneasy over President Donald Trump’s moves to withdraw American troops and key weapons systems from the continent.
NATO weighs wider US nuclear weapons role in Europe
A possible expansion would allow more allied countries to host dual-capable aircraft, which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, according to the Financial Times. People familiar with the discussions said Washington wants to demonstrate that it remains committed to NATO’s nuclear umbrella, even as European governments face pressure to shoulder a larger share of conventional defense spending.
Countries on NATO’s eastern flank have shown particular interest, including Poland and some Baltic states. Warsaw has repeatedly said publicly that it hopes to host nuclear weapons, while former Polish President Andrzej Duda previously called for NATO’s nuclear-sharing program to be extended to Poland.
Sources cited by the newspaper said the issue remains under discussion within NATO structures. Countries closest to Russia’s borders appear to be the most willing to participate.
Russia’s war in Ukraine drives nuclear deterrence debate
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, alongside repeated references by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Moscow’s nuclear capabilities, has increased interest among NATO allies in hosting such facilities.
Still, people following the talks stressed that an agreement to expand the current hosting arrangements for US nuclear weapons does not appear imminent. At present, NATO’s nuclear-sharing program includes Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The weapons remain under US control, and Washington retains sole authority over any decision to activate them.
US troop reductions concerning for allies
The Trump administration’s recent decisions to cancel the deployment of major weapons systems in Europe and withdraw troops have unsettled several NATO allies. The moves form part of a broader shift of US military resources toward Asia and other strategic theaters.
Although European defense spending has increased, many allies still view the American nuclear deterrent as an irreplaceable pillar of European security. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently said that, despite the gradual shift of US strategic attention toward other geopolitical fronts, “the overall deterrence and defense capability in Europe must remain unchanged.”
“If anyone is foolish enough to attack us, the response will be devastating,” Rutte said.
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