The United States is discussing whether to expand its nuclear weapons presence in Europe by allowing additional NATO countries to host aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons, according to a report in the Financial Times.
The newspaper, citing three people briefed on the discussions, reported that US officials have signalled openness to expanding deployments beyond the six European countries that currently participate in NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangements.
The talks are said to focus on the possible deployment of dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Nuclear-capable bombers or strike aircraft are currently deployed in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.
NATO’s nuclear-sharing programme currently allows several European allies to host US nuclear weapons and maintain aircraft certified to deliver them in wartime.
The arrangement has long been viewed by the alliance as a key component of collective deterrence, the alliance’s core strategy to prevent conflict through political unity and military readiness.
Experts estimate that around 100 US B61 nuclear bombs are stored at bases across Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey under the programme.
The White House, Pentagon, and NATO did not immediately respond to Euronews’ request for comment.
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