The potential withdrawal of the United States from Europe poses challenges for NATO, despite European nations’ ability to compensate for many lost US contributions. A key concern centers on the capacity to maintain nuclear deterrence. Specifically, the departure of US assets capable of delivering nuclear weapons raises questions about NATO’s ability to respond to potential threats. While Europe can address conventional military gaps, replacing the US’s nuclear capabilities proves more difficult. The article highlights a specific vulnerability: the loss of US bombers equipped for nuclear weapon delivery. This raises strategic implications for the alliance’s defense posture and future security arrangements. The situation necessitates a reassessment of burden-sharing and potential alternative strategies for maintaining a credible deterrent.