The U.S. is said to be considering expanding its nuclear weapons-hosting capability to more European NATO member states.
Six NATO member countries — the U.K., Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Turkey — currently form part of the alliance’s nuclear weapons-sharing arrangements, and are approved to host U.S. dual-capable aircraft capable of deploying nuclear missiles.
But this group could now be expanded to include additional NATO countries in Europe, according to the Financial Times, which cited three people who had been briefed on the highly confidential discussions.
Analysts say the move would boost certain defense names involved in the manufacture, maintenance and parts supply chain for dual-capable aircraft, including the likes of BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce.
BAE Systems.
Those familiar with the matter suggested countries on NATO’s eastern flank, such as Poland and certain Baltic nations — where President Donald Trump last month pledged thousands of new troops — could be interested in hosting nuclear-capable bombers, the FT report noted.
The possible expansion comes as the White House looks to scale back conventional military support to the alliance and Europe looks to reduce its reliance on Washington by boosting defense spending amid concerns over the U.S.’ commitment to the security pact.
A NATO official told CNBC that the organization “continuously monitors” the security environment and “adapts as needed.”
“Work to assess and potentially adapt NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture has been ongoing for several years and is not linked to any decision taken by the U.S. to adjust its conventional posture in Europe,” the official added.
Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said a larger nuclear deployment in Europe would require more dual-capable aircraft such as the F-35, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.
He said the U.K. is a “major player” in the global supply chain for these jets, highlighting key names including BAE Systems, Cobham, Qinetiq and Rolls-Royce. Beyond the U.K, other companies involved in F-35 jet manufacturing include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and RTX.
Lockheed Martin.
“These aircraft cost significant sums just to get in the air, and much more when you factor in ongoing maintenance,” Coatsworth told CNBC via email. “Therefore, a step-up in nuclear weapons deployment in Europe could create big earnings opportunities for many companies and generate a lot of new jobs.”
NATO chief Mark Rutte last week pledged to strengthen the alliance’s readiness to “deter and defend against any threat,” after a Russian drone hit an apartment block in Romania, a NATO and EU member.
“NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory,” Rutte said in a post on X, calling Russia’s behavior “reckless” and “a danger to us all.”
CNBC has contacted the Pentagon for comment.
