The United States is considering the possibility of deploying nuclear-capable aircraft in additional European NATO member states, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.
According to the newspaper, citing three sources familiar with the discussions, US officials have expressed a willingness to station nuclear-capable bombers in more countries beyond the six nations that currently host them. At present, such aircraft are deployed in Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Germany.
If implemented, the move would increase the number of European countries hosting US dual-capable aircraft, which are capable of carrying out nuclear strike missions, the report noted.
At the same time, the Financial Times stressed that no agreement on expanding the deployment of US nuclear assets is expected in the near future.
Countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and several Baltic States, are reportedly interested
in hosting such American aircraft. The newspaper added that discussions are taking place through NATO channels.
Previously, Elbridge Colby, the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, publicly stated that the United States would continue to rely on its nuclear deterrent to protect NATO allies, even if European partners assume greater responsibility for conventional military capabilities.
US President Donald Trump and many of his advisers have repeatedly criticised European allies for underfunding their armed forces and relying too heavily on the United States for conventional defence.
Any expansion of the US nuclear deterrence posture in Europe would represent a significant development in NATO’s security architecture, particularly as the Alliance continues to strengthen its eastern flank in response to Russia’s military actions and the evolving security environment in Europe.
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