See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JADA BAS, REPORTER Published: 12:32 BST, 2 June 2026 | Updated: 12:44 BST, 2 June 2026

The US is considering sending nuclear weapons to European NATO countries in a move of support to their allies.NATO's nuclear sharing programme involves allies - Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK - approved to host US dual-capable aircraft. Now US officials are receptive to expanding deployments beyond the six nations, according to the Financial Times.The move could see more countries hosting DCA, which are crafted to deploy nuclear strikes.It is said President Donald Trump's openness to an expansion is in a bid to show commitment to providing a nuclear umbrella even as European NATO allies have been pushed to increase their conventional defense burden.It comes amid fears in Europe that Trump seeks to remove US troops and critical weapons systems from the continent.Nations on NATO's eastern flank, including Poland and some Baltic states, have expressed interest in potentially hosting DCA bases, with discussions reportedly continuing through NATO channels.While discussions are still in their early stages, it is said allies closest to Russia's borders have shown the most interest. The US is considering sending nuclear weapons to European NATO countries in a move of support to their alliesRussia's invasion of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin's remarks about the Kremlin's nuclear capabilities have played a role in their interest.DCA are under US protection, stored and guarded by troops.The arrangement was drawn up during the Cold War, which NATO says, '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'.Pentagon policy ​chief Elbridge ​Colby has previously ⁠said publicly that the US will continue to use its nuclear weapons ​to protect NATO members, even as European ​allies ⁠take the lead on conventional forces.Trump and many of his aides have criticised European allies for ⁠not ​spending enough on their militaries ​and relying on the US for conventional defense.