Reports suggest potential expansion of U.S. nuclear-capable assets in Europe

According to a Financial Times report citing three informed sources, the United States is discussing the potential deployment of dual-capable aircraft (DCA) to additional NATO member countries. Currently, six nations host U.S. strategic assets capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The report indicates that countries on the eastern flank, including Poland and certain Baltic states, have expressed interest in hosting such bases. Discussions are reportedly taking place through established NATO channels, although the publication emphasizes that no immediate agreement is expected. Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby has previously stated that the U.S. will maintain its nuclear umbrella for NATO members, even as European allies are urged to bolster their conventional defense capabilities. Reuters could not independently verify these claims. Neither the White House, the U.S. Department of Defense, nor NATO have provided an official comment regarding these reports.