US Weighs Possible Expansion of Nuclear Sharing Role in Europe, Report Says

The United States is considering whether to expand the deployment of nuclear weapons across additional NATO member states in Europe, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Citing three individuals briefed on internal discussions, the newspaper reported on Tuesday that US officials have shown openness to extending nuclear-sharing arrangements beyond the six European countries currently hosting American nuclear-capable aircraft. These arrangements involve dual-capable aircraft, or DCA, which are designed to carry out both conventional and nuclear missions.

The discussions, while still at an early stage, reflect ongoing reassessments within NATO about deterrence strategy amid heightened security tensions in Europe. The Financial Times noted that no formal agreement is close and that any expansion would require extensive political coordination among allies.

According to the report, countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and several Baltic states, have expressed interest in potentially hosting such capabilities. These nations have been among the most vocal advocates for strengthening NATO’s deterrence posture in response to regional security concerns.

US, NATO and Defense Department officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the report.

The current NATO nuclear-sharing arrangement places US nuclear weapons in select European states, where allied air forces are trained to deliver them using American-supplied aircraft in the event of a conflict. Any expansion of this system would mark a significant policy development, potentially shifting the geographic distribution of NATO’s nuclear deterrent further east.

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has previously stated that the United States remains committed to using its nuclear arsenal to defend NATO allies, even as European governments take on greater responsibility for conventional military capabilities.

The discussions come at a time when Washington has repeatedly urged European NATO members to increase defence spending and reduce their reliance on US military support for conventional security needs. US President Donald Trump and several of his advisers have been particularly vocal on this issue, pressing allies to meet spending commitments and strengthen their own defence capacities.

While the Financial Times report suggests there is growing interest among some NATO members for a broader nuclear-sharing role, officials cautioned that any such move would be complex and politically sensitive. Expanding nuclear deployments would require consensus among alliance members and would likely face scrutiny both within Europe and internationally.

For now, the matter remains under discussion, with no confirmed timeline or formal proposal on the table, according to the report.