The United States is considering the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons to additional European NATO members, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.
According to this paper, US officials have shown a willingness to discuss new deployments outside the six countries that currently host aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The Financial Times cited three people familiar with the discussions within the Alliance.
If a deal is reached, individual countries could host US dual-role aircraft, known as DCAs, which can carry out both conventional and nuclear missions. However, the paper states that for now it is not certain whether a consensus will be reached among the allies on the expansion of the program.
As stated, the countries on NATO’s eastern wing, including Poland and some Baltic countries, have shown interest in the possibility of placing such capacities on their territory. Discussions on that topic are still ongoing within NATO.
Reuters could not independently confirm this information. The White House, the Pentagon and NATO have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Pentagon chief adviser Elbridge Colby said earlier that the US will continue to use its nuclear arsenal as part of protecting NATO members, while European allies simultaneously strengthen their own conventional military capabilities.
US President Donald Trump and a number of his associates have repeatedly criticized European allies for, as they claim, insufficient allocations for defense and too much reliance on the United States of America when it comes to conventional military protection.
(Vijesti.ba)
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