NATO allies in Europe doubt Donald Trump’s loyalty to the alliance. But there are now signs of a surprise when it comes to nuclear weapons.
June 2, 2026, 9:45 a.mJune 2, 2026, 9:45 a.m
The recent announcements from Washington did not sound good for the NATO allies in Europe. First, US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of around 4,000 US troops from Germany. Then there were doubts about the transfer of US troops to Poland.
Now, according to a media report, there are indications of an expansion in the US nuclear strategy for Europe. According to a report by the “Financial Times” The USA is thinking about expanding nuclear participation to other NATO states in Europe. “The debate is ongoing,” the paper quoted a high-ranking military officer as saying.
Specifically, it’s about what is called DCA in NATO jargon: Dual-Capable Aircraft – dual-use air force systems. These include F-35 and F-15 fighter aircraft, which can be equipped with both conventional weapons and nuclear bombs.
The USA is currently involving six overseas partners in nuclear sharing: Great Britain, Türkiye, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. The nuclear weapons are guarded by US troops, but can equip aircraft belonging to NATO partners.
Poland signals interest
According to the Financial Times, the USA is now considering extending the nuclear umbrella to other NATO states. Specific countries are not named. Poland had already officially registered its interest.
At the same time, several EU states are negotiating with France about nuclear protection. According to “Spiegel” magazine, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also expressed interest to French President Emmanuel Macron.
In addition to Germany, France also wants to work more closely with Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden on nuclear deterrence. Norway also recently joined the group during a visit by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Störe to Paris.