FT: US Considers Expanding Nuclear Deployment in Europe to Reassure Allies

The Financial Times reported that the US is considering deploying nuclear-capable aircraft to more NATO allies to reassure them that its security commitments will not be weakened even as conventional military support is reduced. The Trump administration recently decided to cancel some important weapon systems previously planned for deployment in Europe and announced the withdrawal of some US troops, leading some NATO allies to fear gaps in the European defense system. According to three sources, US officials have indicated they are willing to consider expanding the range of nuclear-capable aircraft deployment beyond the current six allies. If the plan proceeds, US dual-capable aircraft would be deployed to more countries in Europe. Sources noted that Poland and some Baltic states are interested in becoming potential sites. However, experts familiar with the discussions say it is unlikely that the US and its allies will reach an agreement on expanding nuclear deployment in the short term. Currently, the US deploys nuclear weapons in six countries—Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and Turkey—under a Cold War-era nuclear sharing program. These weapons are stored and managed by the US military, and allied air wings are trained to operate them under US authorization.