U.S. Media: NATO Plans to Upgrade Nuclear Arsenal and Improve Related Plans

Reference News Network reported on June 19 According to a report from Bloomberg News on June 18, NATO defense ministers issued a rare statement on the 18th, indicating that NATO will upgrade its nuclear arsenal and improve related planning. As the United States gradually reduces its conventional military deployments in Europe, the area of nuclear deterrence has become increasingly prominent.

Before issuing the joint statement, senior officials from member countries held a meeting in Brussels within the framework of the nuclear planning group, with participants including U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. In the joint statement, all parties agreed to "adjust" nuclear policy and "invest in cultivating corresponding resources, capabilities, and military power to execute NATO's nuclear missions."

Several European countries, including Lithuania and Finland, have begun discussions to amend domestic laws or have completed the amendment process to clear obstacles for deploying nuclear weapons on their territory.

However, according to informed sources, the parties have not yet discussed the issue of deploying U.S. nuclear forces in more countries, a measure aimed at addressing the need for emergency transport of nuclear weapons during crises.

NATO has recently begun to publicly disclose its nuclear strategy. In the fall of 2025, NATO will start to inform the public about nuclear exercise trends, as several countries in Northern Europe experienced drone incursions and cyberattacks weeks ago.

France has always kept its nuclear deterrent forces independent of the NATO framework, but French President Macron has proposed to initiate relevant consultations to discuss expanding the French nuclear umbrella to European allies. (Translated by Liu Ziyan)