Archive · 19 Sep 2025
US Nuclear Weapons: Hosting Nations, Locations, and Controversy
The United States keeps nuclear weapons in several European countries that are part of NATO.
These weapons are stored at air bases in countries like Germany and Italy.
The US controls these bombs, but the host countries' air forces practice how to use them.
This has been going on for a long time.
Some people think it makes the alliance stronger by protecting Europe, while others worry that it goes against efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
The exact number of weapons and their readiness is kept secret.
Six NATO allies are believed to host US nuclear weapons.
Weapons are US B61 gravity bombs stored at allied air bases.
Host nations include Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey and the UK.
The United States retains control and custody of the weapons.
The practice is controversial, with arguments for and against its existence.
- Who
- United States and NATO allies
- What
- Deployment of US nuclear weapons on allied soil.
- When
- Ongoing arrangement; historical presence since at least the Cold War.
- Where
- Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and possibly the United Kingdom.
- Why
- To extend the US nuclear deterrent to European allies and demonstrate alliance solidarity.
Critics
Supporters
Non-Proliferation
Critics
Undermines global non-proliferation efforts.
Supporters
Demonstrates solidarity within NATO and deters adversaries.
- Host Nations
- Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, and possibly the United Kingdom
- Weapons Type
- US B61 gravity bombs
- Estimated Stockpile
- Approximately 100 warheads
- Storage Locations
- Secure vaults at allied air bases
- Control
- US maintains control; host nations train for potential use