WASHINGTON, April 1. /TASS/. The United States is ready to consider expanding the number of countries that host NATO nuclear missions, said Dan Caine, who US President Donald Trump has tapped to be his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
" From a military perspective, expanding NATO allies’ participation in the nuclear deterrence mission in some capacity would enhance flexibility, survivability, and military capability. If confirmed, I will work <...> to evaluate the cost/benefit of such a decision," Caine said in written answers to questions from US lawmakers ahead of his confirmation hearing in the US Senate Committee on Armed Services.
Russia has consistently said that the continued practice of so-called joint nuclear missions in NATO runs contrary to the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Caine confirmed that he supports preserving American tactical nuclear weapons in Europe. "As long as NATO remains a nuclear alliance, it is important for the U.S. to maintain nuclear weapons forward deployed in NATO countries. <...> The US nuclear commitment to NATO remains a core element of our deterrence policy and strategy."
Caine said that Washington does not support the idea of its allies developing their own nuclear arsenals. "Nuclear proliferation, even among Allies, significantly limits U.S. ability to manage escalation risk. It could trigger further acceleration of adversary efforts to modernize and expand their nuclear arsenals. Additionally, it would irreparably erode the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and could encourage proliferation around the world," he said.
Caine retired from the army last December as lieutenant general. He served in the United States Air Force. Under American law, only a four-star general, which Caine is not, can occupy the position of head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, the US president has the right to revoke this requirement in some cases. If confirmed by the Senate, Caine will be reinstated in military service and automatically become a four-star general.