Prosecutors say that system was used in a drone that struck a U.S.

As the 2026 NATO Summit approaches, the United States is actively engaging in discussions to expand nuclear sharing arrangements with member states, particularly Lithuania and Poland. This initiative comes amid heightened security concerns in Eastern Europe, where the U.S. military presence is viewed as essential by NATO allies.

Under the proposed nuclear sharing framework, countries like Poland would contribute dual-capable aircraft, such as the F-35, which are modified to carry U.S. tactical nuclear weapons. Poland's recent procurement of 32 F-35 aircraft aligns with these discussions, indicating a strategic shift in NATO's focus towards enhancing deterrence capabilities in the region.

Currently, the U.S. forward deploys tactical nuclear weapons at bases in several European countries, including Belgium and Germany, but the expansion of these arrangements to newer NATO members marks a significant development in the alliance's defense posture.

The recent cancellation of a 4,000-strong rotational force to Eastern Europe has left many allies feeling anxious about their security, further emphasizing the urgency of these discussions. As NATO prepares for the upcoming summit, the emphasis on nuclear sharing reflects a broader strategy to bolster collective defense in response to evolving threats in the region.