THE NUMBER INCREASED TO 10 WITH FINLAND
On September 14, 2026, France and Finland announced their participation in Helsinki’s “advanced nuclear deterrence” initiative. Finland; It became the 10th country after England, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Helsinki also announced that it does not plan to place nuclear weapons in its country during peacetime.
USA HAS PROTECTED EUROPE SINCE 1949
Since the establishment of NATO in 1949, the US’s nuclear capability has been one of the pillars of Western Europe’s deterrence. During the Cold War, American nuclear weapons were deployed to Europe and NATO’s “nuclear sharing” system was established. Although France and Britain built their own arsenals, the center of gravity of Europe’s nuclear security remained in Washington.
TRUMP: “I DO NOT PROTECT, I ENCOURAGE RUSSIA”
Donald Trump has been questioning for years the US protection of NATO countries that do not spend enough on defense. In February 2024, he said he would not protect an ally against Russia that did not fulfill its obligations; He even stated that he would “encourage Moscow to do whatever it wants.” The statements escalated the discussions in Europe regarding the future of the US security guarantee.
COORDINATION FROM FRANCE AND ENGLAND
The two countries in Europe with nuclear weapons are France and England. The two countries decided to strengthen coordination in the field of nuclear deterrence in July 2025. In 2026, British officials watched a French strategic air force exercise for the first time. However, the two countries’ arsenals and authority to use nuclear weapons remain under national control.
