US and NATO officials are discussing the expansion of nuclear weapons operational infrastructure to additional European countries beyond the current six participants in the Nuclear Sharing Program, according to reports on June 3 (local time) by Euro News and other European media. The discussions focus on deploying dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capable of carrying US nuclear weapons to new NATO member states, particularly those geographically close to Russia. The deliberations come amid growing European security concerns as the Trump administration signals potential withdrawal of US military forces and key weapons systems from Europe, prompting NATO to reinforce its defense posture against potential threats.
Six Countries Currently Participate in US Nuclear Sharing Program
The current Nuclear Sharing Program includes six NATO member states: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the UK. These countries have approved the deployment of US nuclear bombs and nuclear-capable aircraft on their territory. The deployed nuclear weapons remain under US military custody, with the United States retaining exclusive authority over their use. The program utilizes dual-capable aircraft such as F-35A stealth fighters, which can be equipped with B61-12 nuclear bombs featuring GPS-guided precision delivery capabilities.
Poland and Baltic States Express Interest in Hosting Nuclear-Capable Aircraft
Poland and some Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have reportedly expressed interest in hosting DCA bases, according to US and NATO sources cited by Euro News. These countries share geographic proximity to Russia. Poland has demonstrated the most active interest in hosting US nuclear weapons deployment among the potential candidate nations.
Former Polish President Publicly Advocated for Nuclear Deployment Expansion
Former Polish President Andrzej Duda publicly advocated for extending the US nuclear sharing system to Poland. His statements represent the most explicit official support for expanding the nuclear deployment infrastructure to Eastern European NATO members.
NATO Secretary General Warns of Destructive Retaliation Against Attacks
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that a consensus exists on maintaining Europe's defense posture without any gaps, even if the United States redirects forces to other theaters. Rutte warned that "if any force foolishly attempts to attack us, the retaliation will be devastating." The media reports note that the discussions are proceeding under high security classification, and reaching an actual agreement on restructuring the nuclear sharing system is expected to take considerable time.
FAQ
What countries are currently part of the US Nuclear Sharing Program in Europe?
Six NATO member states currently participate in the US Nuclear Sharing Program: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the UK. These countries host US nuclear bombs and nuclear-capable aircraft on their territory, with the weapons remaining under US military custody and control.
Which countries have expressed interest in hosting US nuclear weapons infrastructure?
Poland and some Baltic states—including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have reportedly expressed interest in hosting dual-capable aircraft bases capable of deploying US nuclear weapons, according to sources cited by Euro News on June 3 (local time). Poland has shown the most active interest among potential candidate nations.
What aircraft would carry US nuclear weapons under the expanded program?
The program utilizes F-35A stealth fighters designated as dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which can be equipped with B61-12 nuclear bombs. These weapons feature GPS-guided precision delivery capabilities and would be stored under US military custody at host nation bases.
