The United States is expanding Hungary’s Kecskemét Air Base to host nuclear-capable fighter jets. The expansion will enhance NATO’s ability to quickly respond to regional threats, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

The U.S. Department of Defense is investing in infrastructure upgrades at the air base, allowing it to accommodate advanced fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle, which can carry nuclear payloads. This move is part of NATO’s strategy to bolster deterrence along its eastern flank.

The expansion comes as Russia criticizes NATO’s increased presence in Eastern Europe, viewing it as a provocation. NATO, however, emphasized that the expanded capabilities are purely defensive and intended to uphold regional stability.

Located in central Hungary, the Kecskemét Air Base is seen as a key strategic location due to its proximity to NATO’s eastern borders. The base could become part of NATO’s nuclear-sharing framework, where non-nuclear countries host nuclear weapons or aircraft capable of carrying them as part of NATO’s broader deterrence strategy.

This expansion follows other NATO initiatives to reinforce defenses in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with a focus on European countries close to the conflict zone. Military analysts say these moves aim to send a message to Moscow about the alliance’s readiness to defend its member states.

Russian officials have voiced concerns over NATO’s growing military footprint near its borders. They have framed the expansion of bases such as Kecskemét as increasing the risk of confrontation, though NATO maintains that the changes are defensive in nature.

NATO’s tactical nuclear policy has long been a key part of its deterrence posture, with bases like Kecskemét playing a growing role in military exercises aimed at countering potential Russian threats.