The Strategist

FT: US discusses expanding nuclear weapons deployment in Europe



06/03/2026 - 09:27



According to the Financial Times, citing three sources, the United States is contemplating the potential increase of its nuclear weapons presence in Europe.



Kelly Michals
Kelly Michals
The newspaper's sources indicated that this pertains to Washington's readiness to position nuclear weapons in more European nations, alongside the six nuclear-capable bombers presently located at their bases.

Sources from the newspaper indicate that broadening NATO's nuclear sharing initiative might enable additional European nations to station American dual-capable aircraft (DCAs), which can execute nuclear attacks, within their borders.

NATO's eastern flank countries, such as Poland and certain Baltic states, have shown interest in joining the program, sources told the FT.

The discussions are highly private and might not result in alterations to current nuclear sharing arrangements, the publication observed. The Financial Times highlighted that the news surfaced as concerns in Europe intensified regarding US President Donald Trump's actions to pull American forces and essential weapons systems from the region.

Two sources mentioned that talks about broadening the program aim to showcase the US dedication to offering its allies a nuclear shield, even amid requests for NATO nations to accept a larger portion of the defense responsibility.

source: ft.com