New Delhi: The US is exploring the idea of deploying nuclear weapons in additional European Nato states to placate its allies and bolster the security guarantees amidst the reduction in conventional military support, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.
This deployment, if done, would be in addition to the deployment in the existing six countries hosting nuclear-capable bombers, as reported by FT.
The confidential discussion has been taking place in the midst of Donald Trump’s move to withdraw US troops and critical weapons system from Europe.
If the discussions fructify, it would allow other countries to station US dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are capable of nuclear strikes. Two people quoted by FT said talks on the expansion were a way of showing US commitment to its Nato allies. Poland and some Baltic states were interested in the idea of having DCA bases in their regions, the FT quotes the two people as saying.
Polish officials have publicly expressed their interest in hosting nuclear weapons, with former Polish president Andrzej Duda calling for a DCA base there.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a string of remarks by President Vladimir Putin on Russia’s nuclear capacities had evoked interest among some allies to host the DCA.
Currently, Belgium, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey and the UK are approved to host US DCA and “forward-deployed” nuclear bombs, with Washington reserving the singular authority for their use.
The arrangement, established during the Cold War, “provide[s] a platform to non-nuclear Nato Allies to shape the Alliance’s nuclear policy and planning as a mean[s] to guarantee their security without acquiring nuclear weapons”.
The deployed nuclear weapons are stored and secured by US troops, with the allied nations’ air forces working in coordination.
The recent moves by the Trump administration, including retracting planned deployments of important weapons systems and troop withdrawals, have led to disquiet amongst European allies.
Even though the allied nations have committed to significantly increasing their defence spendings, the nuclear deterrent of US DCA bases is considered irreplaceable.
After a meeting of alliance foreign ministers last month, Nato secretary-general said, “Whilst the US will pivot more towards other theatres . . . the overall deterrence and defence in Europe has to stay the same.”
“Let me be crystal clear . . . were anyone to be foolish as to attack us, the response would be devastating,” the secretary-general emphasised.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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