US mulls expanding nuclear deployments to additional European NATO states: FT

WEB DESK: The United States is in discussions over the possible deployment of nuclear weapons to additional European NATO member states, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing officials familiar with the matter.

According to the report, US officials have indicated openness to expanding beyond the six countries that currently host American nuclear-capable systems, in what would mark a significant shift in NATO’s nuclear posture in Europe.

The White House, Pentagon and NATO have not commented on the matter, and Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report.

The discussions reportedly involve the potential deployment of so-called dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads.

However, the FT cautioned that no agreement is imminent and that deliberations remain at an early stage within NATO channels.

Interest from NATO’s eastern flank

The report said countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and several Baltic states, have expressed interest in hosting such deployments amid heightened security concerns in the region.

Any expansion would represent a further shift of NATO nuclear assets closer to Russia’s borders, a longstanding point of tension between Moscow and the alliance.

US nuclear posture and alliance burden-sharing

The reported discussions come as US President Donald Trump and senior officials have repeatedly pressed European allies to increase defence spending and reduce reliance on Washington for security guarantees.

At the same time, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has said the United States will continue to use its nuclear capabilities to deter threats against NATO members, even as European states take on a greater share of conventional defence responsibilities.