US reportedly considering expanding nuclear weapons deployment to more NATO allies

The United States is discussing whether to deploy nuclear weapons to more North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) European member states in an effort to reassure allies and ensure security guarantees even if conventional military support is reduced.

According to three people familiar with the matter, US officials are open to additional deployments beyond the six countries that currently host bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

The discussions, which are highly classified, may not alter existing nuclear weapons-sharing arrangements, but they come at a time of widespread concern in Europe about the possibility of US President Donald Trump reducing American forces and key weapons systems in Europe.

The plan could allow more countries to deploy what are known as dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are capable of performing nuclear strikes, owned by the United States. Two of the sources said that the US is discussing expanding these deployments with an open mind as NATO allies are asked to take on more conventional defense responsibilities, highlighting Washington's commitment to the nuclear umbrella remains unchanged.

Sources familiar with the matter said that countries on NATO's eastern flank, including Poland, and some Baltic states, have shown willingness to host bases for military aircraft capable of nuclear strikes.

Polish officials have even publicly expressed their desire for nuclear weapons deployment. Former President Andrzej Duda had previously called for the US to expand its DCA program to Polish territory, and Warsaw has participated in a new French initiative this year to explore the possibility of temporarily deploying some of its nuclear deterrent to other allied nations in Europe for the first time.

One source familiar with the matter said that these discussions are currently underway within NATO's internal mechanisms, and allies closer to Russia's border have shown stronger interest.

Sources familiar with the matter said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin's repeated emphasis on the Kremlin's nuclear capabilities have further spurred the desire of some NATO allies to host DCA bases.

Another source, however, said that an agreement to expand US nuclear weapons deployment will not be reached in the near term.

NATO's nuclear weapons-sharing program currently allows Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom to deploy US dual-capable aircraft and "forward-deployed" nuclear bombs. These nuclear weapons are protected by the US military, and Washington retains the sole final authorization for their use.