FT: U.S. Holds Talks on Expanding Nuclear Weapons Deployment in Europe

The United States is considering expanding the deployment of nuclear weapons to additional NATO member states in Europe.

According to European Pravda, citing a Financial Times report, the move aims to reassure allies that any future reduction in the U.S. military presence and conventional forces in Europe would not weaken America’s security commitments.

Sources familiar with the discussions said that U.S. officials have indicated a willingness to consider deploying nuclear weapons beyond the countries that currently participate in NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement.

The discussions also include the possible deployment of dual-capable aircraft (DCA) to additional NATO countries. These aircraft are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.

According to two sources, these consultations are intended to demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to providing allies with a “nuclear umbrella,” even amid calls for European countries to take on a greater share of conventional defense costs.

These discussions are taking place within NATO, are confidential, and may not lead to any changes to the existing nuclear-sharing agreements. At the same time, they come amid concerns among some European allies about a possible reduction of the U.S. military presence on the continent.

The countries most interested in potentially expanding the program are NATO’s “eastern flank” states, which directly border Russia, particularly Poland and certain Baltic nations.

According to one source, no new agreements on deploying U.S. nuclear weapons are expected in the near future.

Currently, NATO’s nuclear-sharing program includes Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. U.S. nuclear weapons are stationed in these countries, but Washington retains sole authority over their use. The weapons are stored and guarded by American forces.

It should be noted that the only European countries with their own nuclear arsenals are France and the United Kingdom. Several other countries have begun talks with them regarding nuclear deterrence in light of potential threats from Russia.

At the end of May, Norway signed an agreement with France, which had been in preparation since at least March. Earlier reports also indicated that Denmark is open to co-financing Europe’s “nuclear umbrella” and is willing to discuss the potential deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory.