FT: US considers expanding nuclear deployments in Europe

The United States is considering the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in additional European member states of NATO, as part of efforts to reassure allies that a reduction in conventional military support will not weaken security guarantees.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, cited by Financial Times, Washington has signalled openness to expanding deployments beyond the six countries that currently host nuclear-capable systems. The talks remain highly confidential and may not result in changes to existing nuclear-sharing arrangements.

The discussions come amid growing concern across Europe over policies pursued by President Donald Trump, including the withdrawal of US troops and key weapons systems from the continent. These moves are part of a broader strategy to reallocate military resources toward Asia and other regions.

Under consideration is the potential expansion of so-called dual-capable aircraft (DCA) deployments—platforms capable of delivering nuclear weapons—to additional NATO countries. Officials said that signalling openness to such an expansion is intended to demonstrate continued US commitment to its nuclear umbrella, even as European allies are expected to assume a greater share of conventional defence responsibilities.

Countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and several Baltic states, have expressed interest in hosting DCA bases. Polish officials have been particularly vocal. Former president Andrzej Duda publicly called for the US to extend the initiative to Poland. In parallel, Warsaw has joined a French-led effort to examine the possibility of temporarily deploying elements of France’s nuclear deterrent to allied European nations.

Discussions are ongoing within NATO channels, with those countries geographically closest to Russia showing the strongest interest. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with repeated statements by President Vladimir Putin regarding Moscow’s nuclear capabilities, has heightened interest among some allies in participating in nuclear-sharing arrangements.

However, officials emphasized that any agreement to expand nuclear deployments is not imminent.

NATO’s current nuclear-sharing framework includes Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. These countries host US nuclear weapons, which remain under US control, with Washington retaining sole authority over their use.

Established during the Cold War, the arrangement “provide[s] a platform to non-nuclear Nato Allies to shape the Alliance’s nuclear policy and planning as a mean[s] to guarantee their security without acquiring nuclear weapons”, according to NATO.

US nuclear weapons stationed in Europe are stored and secured by American personnel. Allied air forces, operating aircraft such as F-35, F-15, and Tornado jets, are trained to support nuclear missions and participate in exercises designed to demonstrate deterrence capabilities.

Recent US decisions to cancel planned deployments of certain weapons systems and reduce troop levels in Europe have raised concerns among allies about potential gaps in the continent’s defence and deterrence posture. Although European nations are increasing defence spending and investing in conventional capabilities, the US nuclear umbrella is widely viewed as irreplaceable.

Following a recent meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that strategic balance must be maintained, stating there was a “common understanding that whilst the US will pivot more towards other theatres . . . the overall deterrence and defence in Europe has to stay the same”.

He added: “Let me be crystal clear . . . Were anyone to be foolish as to attack us, the response would be devastating,” Rutte said.

By Tamilla Hasanova