European NATO Allies Fill Most Gaps from U.S. Defense Cuts
The United States reduced its military commitments to NATO, cutting fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, destroyers, and submarines to end "unhealthy co-dependence" amid potential multi-theater conflicts. European allies rapidly filled most gaps, except for strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. The changes will be discussed at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, amid European concerns over possible U.S. withdrawal under President Trump.
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European NATO allies fill most gaps left by U.S. defense plan reductions
European NATO allies have largely filled the gaps left by the United States in the alliance's defense plans, according to NATO's top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. informed allies in May that it would shrink its military commitments to NATO, reducing capabilities including fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, destroyers, and submarines. The move is intended to gradually end an 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces as Washington faces potential simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters. The main remaining gap is in strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. NATO is exploring alternate capabilities to address remaining shortfalls. The issue will be a key topic at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, with some European allies concerned about possible U.S. withdrawal under President Donald Trump.
Defense NewsEuropeans to fill almost all gaps left by US in NATO defense plans, source says
European NATO allies have largely filled the gaps left by the United States in the alliance’s defense plans, according to NATO’s top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. informed allies in May of its decision to shrink the pool of military capabilities committed to NATO in a crisis, aiming to end an 'unhealthy co-dependence' as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts. European allies have replaced most capabilities within weeks, except for strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. Specific U.S. reductions include a one-third cut in F-15/F-15E fighters (to 99), a halving of MQ-4/MQ-9 Reaper drones (to 12), and reductions in refueling aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, destroyers, and submarines. The NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8 is expected to address these changes, with some European allies concerned about potential U.S. withdrawal under President Trump.
Military TimesEuropean NATO Allies Fill Most Gaps Left by US Defense Plan Reductions
European NATO allies have largely filled the gaps left by the United States in the alliance’s defense plans, according to NATO’s top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. informed allies in May that it would shrink its pool of military capabilities committed to NATO in a crisis, reducing commitments across fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, bombers, ships, and submarines. The move is intended to gradually end an 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces as Washington faces potential simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters. European allies have filled most gaps within weeks, though a shortfall remains in strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. NATO is exploring alternate capabilities to address remaining gaps. The announcement comes ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, where the alliance is expected to confirm that European members have filled almost all gaps. The alliance faces unprecedented strain amid concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump may follow through on threats to withdraw from NATO.
Defense NewsEuropean NATO Allies Fill Most Gaps Left by U.S. Defense Plan Reductions
European NATO allies have largely filled the gaps left by the United States in the alliance's defense plans, according to NATO's top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. informed allies in May that it would shrink its military commitments to NATO, reducing capabilities including fighter jets (F-15/F-15E from 149 to 99), drones (MQ-4/MQ-9 Reaper from 24 to 12), refueling aircraft (from 79 to 63), destroyers (from 17 to 9), and maritime patrol aircraft (from 26 to 15). The only strategic bomber and aircraft carrier allocations were also halved. European allies have rapidly stepped up to cover most shortfalls, though a gap remains in strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. NATO is exploring alternate capabilities for remaining gaps. The adjustments aim to reduce 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts. The developments come ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, amid unprecedented strain on the alliance and European concerns over possible U.S. withdrawal under President Trump.
Defense NewsEuropean NATO Allies Fill Most Gaps Left by U.S. Defense Plan Cuts
European NATO allies have largely filled the gaps left by the United States in the alliance's defense plans, according to NATO's top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. informed allies in May that it would shrink its military commitments to NATO, reducing capabilities including fighter jets (F-15/F-15E from 149 to 99), drones (MQ-4/MQ-9 from 24 to 12), refueling aircraft (from 79 to 63), and cutting strategic bombers and aircraft carriers from two to one each. The move aims to end 'unhealthy co-dependence' as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts. The main remaining gap is in strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. The announcement comes ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, amid unprecedented strain on the alliance and European concerns over possible U.S. withdrawal under President Donald Trump.
Military TimesEuropean Allies Nearly Fill Gaps Left by US in NATO Defense Plans
European NATO allies have largely filled the gaps left by the United States in the alliance’s defense plans, according to NATO’s top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. The U.S. informed allies in May of its decision to reduce military capabilities committed to NATO, including cuts to fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, and ships, as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts. European members have stepped up contributions in most areas, but a key shortfall remains in strategic bombers, where the U.S. will provide only one aircraft instead of two. The developments come ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, where the alliance is expected to announce that European members have filled almost all gaps. The reductions have strained the alliance, with some European countries concerned about potential U.S. withdrawal under President Donald Trump.
Military Times