US considers wider stationing of nuclear weapons across NATO allies

The U.S. is discussing whether to deploy ​nuclear weapons in additional European NATO states, the ‌Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

U.S. officials have signaled openness to additional deployments beyond the existing six countries hosting nuclear-capable ​bombers, the FT said, citing three people ​briefed on the discussions.

The move would involve more ⁠countries to host so-called U.S. dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which ​are able to deliver nuclear strikes, the newspaper ​said, while cautioning that an agreement to expand U.S. nuclear hosting was not imminent.

Countries on NATO’s eastern flank including Poland ​and some Baltic states were interested in potentially ​hosting DCA bases, the report said, adding that discussions were ongoing ‌in ⁠NATO channels.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House, Department of Defense and NATO did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Pentagon policy ​chief Elbridge ​Colby has previously ⁠said publicly that the U.S. will continue to use its nuclear weapons ​to protect NATO members, even as European ​allies ⁠take the lead on conventional forces.

U.S. President Donald Trump and many of his aides have criticised European allies for ⁠not ​spending enough on their militaries ​and relying on the U.S. for conventional defense.

Source:  Reuters