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The United States is discussing the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in additional European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in order to reassure allies that reductions in conventional military support will not weaken American security guarantees, UATV English informs.
According to a report by the Financial Times, US officials have expressed a willingness to consider additional deployments beyond the countries that already host American nuclear-capable aircraft.
Such a move could allow more allies to host so-called dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are capable of carrying out nuclear missions.
Two sources told the newspaper that Washington’s readiness to discuss an expansion is intended to demonstrate the continued credibility of the US nuclear umbrella, even as NATO allies are being encouraged to assume a greater share of the burden for conventional defense.
The talks, which remain highly confidential and may not ultimately result in any changes to NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangements, come amid growing concern in Europe over policies pursued by US President Donald Trump, including potential reductions in American troop levels and key military assets on the continent.
According to the sources, countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and several Baltic states, have expressed interest in participating in such arrangements.
One source said discussions are taking place within NATO structures and that the strongest interest has come from allies located closest to Russia’s borders.
Another source familiar with the negotiations cautioned that no agreement on expanding the deployment of US nuclear weapons is expected in the near future.
The Financial Times noted that Polish officials have repeatedly and publicly voiced interest in hosting nuclear assets. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda called on the United States to extend the DCA initiative to Poland. Earlier this year, Warsaw also joined a French initiative exploring the possibility of temporarily deploying elements of France’s nuclear deterrent to allied European countries.
NATO’s nuclear-sharing program currently includes Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. These countries are authorized to host US nuclear weapons under NATO arrangements, while Washington retains sole authority over their use.
US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe are stored and secured by American military personnel.
The report follows earlier claims by German outlet Der Spiegel that Washington is considering significant reductions in military equipment and personnel assigned to NATO missions in Europe.
Meanwhile, in March, French President Emmanuel Macron said France was prepared to expand discussions on its nuclear deterrent and consider stationing nuclear capabilities in allied European countries.
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