US officials are discussing the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons to new countries within the NATO alliance. The conversations focus on forward-deploying dual-capable aircraft, which can carry out conventional or nuclear missions.
Countries at the eastern flank of NATO, particularly Poland and the Baltic States, have expressed interest in hosting US dual-capable aircraft. Poland has publicly courted US nuclear deployment to deter Russia.
The discussions aim to address fears in European capitals that they may be left to fend for themselves by the US. While the talks are ongoing, an agreement to expand US nuclear hosting is not imminent.
