In Germany, consideration has begun on replacing Tornado aircraft capable of carrying American B61 nuclear warheads. Alternatively, the F-18 and Eurofighter are considered. Defense Secretary Annegret Crump-Carrenbauer (CDU) has previously agreed with Pentagon chief Mark Esper to purchase 30 Boeing F / A-18F aircraft. The acquisition of 93 Airbus Eurofighter is also planned.
The Aviano air base [owned by the United States Air Force] in northeastern Italy is prepared to receive atomic bombs previously hosted by Turkey, at the Incirlik NATO air base, according to Il Messagero. The idea behind such a move was voiced as early as 2016, when the Turkish President was carrying out internal purges to rid himself of plotters involved in the [tacitly US approved] coup attempt. Erdogan cut power to Incirlik, putting the local American contingent on pause.
