Where Nuclear Weapons Are Stored In Europe

Map created by @geoglobal_The map above shows where nuclear weapons are stored in Europe. Russia, The UK and France are the only fully nuclear capable countries in Europe at the present time.

However, its estimated the US has around 100 warheads in Europe in various locations in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Turkey. On the flip side Russia may also have warheads in Belarus, which is a very close Russian ally.

Here are the numbers by country:

United States

• Total Warheads (worldwide): 5,277
• Deployed Warheads: 1,670

Russian Federation:

• Total Warheads (Europe + Asia): 5,449
• Deployed Warheads: 1,710

France:

• Total Warheads: 290
• Deployed Warheads: 280

United Kingdom:

• Total Warheads: 225
• Deployed War Heads: 120

A bit more about the history of nuclear weapons in Europe.

Soviet Union / Russia

Soviet Program Origins:

• Start: Began in the 1940s, spurred by U.S. use of atomic bombs in WWII and espionage from the Manhattan Project (notably Klaus Fuchs).
• First Test: The Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb, RDS-1, on August 29, 1949, in Kazakhstan.
• Development: Rapid expansion followed, including thermonuclear weapons (H-bombs) by the mid-1950s.

Cold War Era:

• A vast nuclear arsenal was developed, reaching a peak of over 40,000 warheads by the 1980s.
• Focused on a triad: land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers.
• Included tactical (non-strategic) nuclear weapons, many of which were deployed in Eastern Europe (e.g., in East Germany, Poland).

Post-Soviet Russia:

• Inherited the Soviet arsenal after 1991.
• Went through reductions via arms control treaties: START I, New START, and unilateral initiatives.
• Still maintains one of the largest nuclear arsenals, modernizing both strategic and tactical weapons.
• Retains a doctrine allowing for escalate-to-deescalate nuclear use if national survival is at risk.

United Kingdom

Origins:

• Part of the Manhattan Project but excluded after the U.S. passed the McMahon Act (1946).
• Developed its own capability independently.
• First test: Hurricane on October 3, 1952, in the Monte Bello Islands, Australia.

Development and Modernization:

• Conducted further tests in Australia and later at the Nevada Test Site (with U.S. cooperation).
• Focus shifted to submarine-based deterrents in the 1960s: Polaris, later Trident.
• Operates Vanguard-class submarines carrying Trident II D5 missiles (from the U.S.).

Current Status:

• Maintains a minimum credible deterrent: around 225 warheads, with one submarine always at sea.
• Based at HMNB Clyde in Scotland (Faslane and Coulport).
• Recently announced plans to increase the warhead cap (from 180 to 260).

France

Origins:

• Driven by a desire for strategic independence (especially from U.S. dominance in NATO).
• First test: Gerboise Bleue, February 13, 1960, in Algeria.

Force de frappe (Strike Force):

• Developed a triad of nuclear delivery systems: bombers, submarines, and missiles.
• Maintained an independent capability throughout the Cold War.
• Withdrew from NATO’s integrated military command in 1966 (returned in 2009).

Current Arsenal:

• Maintains a sea-based deterrent with Triomphant-class submarines.
• Also has air-launched nuclear cruise missiles (ASMP-A) carried by Rafale jets.
• Estimated nuclear stockpile: around 290 warheads.

U.S. Nuclear Weapons in Europe

NATO Nuclear Sharing:

• The U.S. deployed nuclear weapons in Europe as part of NATO deterrence, beginning in the 1950s.
• At the peak, there were 7,000+ nuclear weapons deployed across NATO countries.

Current Deployment:

• Roughly 100 U.S. B61 gravity bombs are still deployed in five NATO countries:
  • Germany (Büchel)
  • Belgium (Kleine Brogel)
  • Netherlands (Volkel)
  • Italy (Aviano and Ghedi)
  • Turkey (Incirlik – controversial and possibly drawn down)
• These are intended for delivery by allied aircraft under dual-capable aircraft (DCA) programs.

Modernization:

• The B61s are being upgraded to B61-12, with precision-guidance, lower-yield options, and enhanced safety.
• Modernization has stirred debate in host countries over strategic necessity and risk.

Strategic Dynamics and Issues:

• Nuclear sharing has become more contentious, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022.
• Russia has threatened to deploy tactical nukes to Belarus, increasing regional tensions.
• Discussions about European “strategic autonomy” have included ideas of an EU-based deterrent (possibly involving French forces).
• Disarmament and arms control have stalled in recent years (e.g., INF Treaty collapse, New START under pressure).

What do you think?