The United States is reportedly considering the deployment of nuclear weapons to additional European NATO member states, according to a new report.
U.S. officials have indicated an openness to expanding deployments beyond the six nations currently hosting nuclear-capable bombers, The Financial Times reported Tuesday, citing three individuals briefed on the ongoing discussions.
This potential move would involve more countries hosting U.S. dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are designed to deliver nuclear strikes. However, the newspaper cautioned that any agreement to broaden US nuclear hosting capabilities is not imminent.
Nations on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and some Baltic states, have expressed interest in potentially hosting DCA bases, with discussions reportedly continuing through NATO channels.
Reuters was unable to immediately verify the report, and requests for comment from the White House, Department of Defense, and NATO went unanswered.
Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has previously affirmed publicly that the U.S. intends to continue using its nuclear weapons to safeguard NATO members, even as European allies take the lead on conventional forces.
This comes as President Donald Trump and many of his aides have criticized European allies for insufficient military spending and their reliance on the US for conventional defense.