European NATO Allies Fill Most U.S. Defense Gaps Ahead of Ankara Summit, Top Commander Says

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European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have filled most of the defense capability gaps created by recent reductions in U.S. military commitments, according to NATO's top military commander. The announcement comes just days before alliance leaders gather for a key summit in Ankara, Türkiye, where the changes are expected to be discussed.

Speaking to Reuters, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said European allies responded quickly after Washington reduced its contributions to the alliance's force structure earlier this year.

European Allies Step Up Defense Contributions

General Grynkewich said European NATO members moved rapidly to replace most of the military capabilities that the United States decided to reduce.

"In a matter of weeks, European allies have largely filled the gaps left by U.S. reductions to the NATO Force Model," Grynkewich said.

He added that NATO is working on alternative solutions for the limited number of capabilities that European allies cannot yet fully replace.

According to the commander, the goal is to ensure the alliance maintains the same operational effectiveness despite changes in U.S. military commitments.

Why the United States Reduced Its NATO Commitments

In May, the United States informed NATO allies that it would reduce the number of military assets assigned to the alliance during potential crises.

The move reflects Washington's strategy of reducing long-term dependence by European allies on U.S. military forces while preparing for the possibility of responding to multiple global conflicts simultaneously.

General Grynkewich described the change as part of an effort to end what he called an "unhealthy co-dependence" on American military resources.

The reduction does not represent a U.S. withdrawal from NATO but rather a rebalancing of responsibilities among alliance members.

Strategic Bombers Remain the Biggest Challenge

Although European allies have replaced most of the missing capabilities, NATO officials say one major gap remains.

According to a NATO source familiar with the planning, the alliance continues to face shortages in strategic bombers after the United States reduced its commitment from two aircraft to one.

Strategic bombers play a critical role in long-range deterrence and rapid military response, making them difficult for European allies to replace immediately.

NATO officials are now evaluating alternative military capabilities that can provide similar operational effects.

Several U.S. Military Assets Reduced

According to military sources cited by Reuters, the United States has reduced commitments across several categories of military equipment assigned to NATO.

The reported reductions include:

• F-15 and F-15E fighter jets reduced by about one-third.
• MQ-4 and MQ-9 Reaper drones reduced by approximately half.
• KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft reduced from 79 to 63.
• Strategic bombers reduced from two aircraft to one.
• Aircraft carriers reduced from two to one.
• Maritime patrol aircraft reduced from 26 to 15.
• Destroyers reduced from 17 to nine.

Cruise missile-equipped submarine removed from NATO force commitments.

These adjustments form part of Washington's broader effort to redistribute military resources while maintaining global readiness.

Ankara Summit Expected to Address Defense Changes

The updated force structure will be discussed during the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7-8, 2026.

Alliance leaders are expected to review Europe's expanded military contributions, assess remaining capability gaps, and discuss future defense planning as NATO adapts to evolving security challenges.

The summit comes amid continued geopolitical tensions in Europe and growing concerns over long-term regional security.

NATO Faces Growing Strategic Challenges

The alliance continues to face pressure from multiple directions, including ongoing security concerns in Europe, instability in the Middle East, and increasing competition among major global powers.

Some European governments have also expressed concern that the United States could further reduce its military role in Europe following repeated comments by U.S. President Donald Trump questioning the level of American commitments to NATO.

Despite these concerns, NATO officials say European allies have demonstrated an increased willingness to strengthen their own defense capabilities and share a greater portion of the alliance's security responsibilities.

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