European NATO members have filled most of the capability gaps created after the US reduced the military assets it assigns to the alliance’s defense plans, according to NATO’s top military commander, AP reported.
Speaking ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month, US Air Force General Alex Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the alliance had addressed most of those shortfalls within weeks.
In June, the Pentagon informed NATO allies that it would reduce the US military assets assigned to the alliance’s force planning.
Among the affected capabilities are an aircraft carrier and its support ships, aerial refueling aircraft, and dozens of fighter jets.
Grynkewich added that, where European allies could not provide equivalent systems, NATO is identifying alternative capabilities that can deliver the same operational effect, though he did not provide further details.
Among the measures announced, the UK raised the readiness level of a second aircraft carrier and additional F-35 fighter jets for potential NATO operations.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte argued the cuts would have little practical impact, saying what matters is which forces are assigned to NATO’s defense plans in a crisis, not where they are currently based.
He added that Washington would still reinforce Europe if the alliance’s collective defense plans were activated.
NATO Under Threat
The renewed European contributions also reflect broader concerns that the continent must be prepared to assume a greater share of its own defense as the security environment deteriorates.
Last month, the Dutch Ministry of Defense warned that Russia could be in a position to launch a “limited” military campaign against a NATO member within a year of the war in Ukraine ending.
In its annual defense strategy, the ministry said Europe is operating in a “grey area” between peace and war and cited intelligence assessments indicating that Russia is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Europe.
