The United States is considering whether to deploy nuclear weapons in additional European NATO member states, the Financial Times reported today.
US officials have signaled openness to additional deployments beyond the existing six countries that host nuclear-capable bombers, the FT said, citing three people familiar with the talks.
That move would mean that more countries receive so-called American dual-purpose aircraft (DCA), which can carry out nuclear strikes, the newspaper said, noting that an agreement on expanding the American nuclear presence is not on the horizon.
Countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and some Baltic states, are interested in potentially hosting DCA aircraft bases, the report said, adding that talks are being held within NATO.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. The White House, the US Department of Defense and NATO did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has previously said publicly that the US will continue to use its nuclear weapons to protect NATO members, although European allies are taking the lead when it comes to conventional forces.
US President Donald Trump and many of his aides have criticized European allies for not spending enough on their militaries and relying on the US for conventional defense.
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