Key facts
- US officials are discussing the potential deployment of nuclear weapons to more NATO states.
- This potential expansion would go beyond the six current host nations: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, and the UK.
- Nations on NATO's eastern flank, including Poland and Baltic states, have expressed interest in hosting.
- The 1997 NATO-Russia agreement stated NATO had no plans to place nuclear weapons in new member states.
- The proposal is seen as a potential 'carrot' alongside US pressure for increased European defense spending.
The United States is reportedly considering expanding the deployment of its nuclear weapons to more NATO member states, a move that would significantly alter its military posture in Europe. This discussion comes at a time when the US is also contemplating a drawdown of conventional troops from Germany, a decision that could be viewed favorably by Moscow. The Financial Times reported, citing three individuals briefed on internal discussions, that American officials are open to increasing the number of countries hosting its nuclear-capable bombers and bombs. Currently, only six NATO allies—Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—participate in NATO's nuclear sharing program. The potential expansion could see nations along NATO's eastern flank, such as Poland and various Baltic states, becoming new hosts, bringing the deployments closer to Russia's borders. This potential development appears to contradict the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act, which stated that NATO had no intention of placing nuclear weapons on the territory of new member states. However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some of these newer member states have indicated a willingness to host such weapons. While an agreement on expanded nuclear hosting is not imminent, high-level discussions are underway within NATO. This proposal is framed as a potential incentive from Washington, offered alongside pressure for European nations to increase their defense spending and take greater responsibility for conventional defense on the continent. French President Macron has also recently raised the possibility of a French nuclear umbrella as an alternative security measure. The US is broadly scaling back its military presence in Europe, where more than 80,000 US troops were stationed in 2025 under a system of combined territorial defense and deterrence dating back to the end of World War II. Last month, the Pentagon canceled the planned rotation of 4,000 troops into Poland, shortly after announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany. Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern over NATO's buildup in Europe, condemning the region's militarization and the bloc's intensified military activity near its western borders. Russia argues that Western governments are using “ostentatious Russophobia” to justify turning the EU into a military bloc and to divert attention away from domestic issues. The Kremlin has stated that it has no intention of attacking any NATO nation, but has warned that it would aim its nuclear arsenal at countries hosting weapons directed at Russia.