BY MIRABEL ODETA
The United States has called on its European NATO allies and Canada to rapidly increase their contributions to the alliance’s military capabilities, particularly in the areas of manned and unmanned aircraft as well as naval assets. The request comes as Washington reduces the number of military resources it has committed to NATO’s collective defence plans, marking a significant shift in burden-sharing within the alliance.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the head of U.S. military forces on the continent. His remarks followed a decision by the Trump administration to reduce the pool of American military assets that would be available to NATO during times of crisis or conflict.
President Donald Trump has consistently argued that European nations should assume greater responsibility for their own security. Throughout his presidency, he has criticised NATO members for relying heavily on American military power and has urged allies to invest more in defence spending and military readiness. The latest move reflects Washington’s broader strategy of encouraging European nations to play a larger role in defending the continent.
Last month, U.S. officials informed NATO allies that the United States would scale back its participation in the NATO Force Model, a framework designed to ensure that member states can rapidly provide military forces when needed. The model serves as a key pillar of NATO’s readiness strategy and is intended to guarantee that troops, aircraft, ships, and equipment can be deployed quickly in response to emerging threats.
Although the U.S. government has not publicly disclosed the full extent of the reductions, military officials familiar with the plans say the cuts will affect several critical capabilities. These include aerial refuelling aircraft, fighter jets, surveillance drones, and naval vessels that have traditionally formed an important part of NATO’s military strength.
According to military sources, the number of American F-15 and F-15E fighter aircraft assigned to NATO commitments is expected to decline by roughly one-third, leaving 99 aircraft available under alliance plans. Meanwhile, the number of MQ-4 and MQ-9 Reaper drones available for NATO operations is expected to be reduced by half, dropping to just 12 units.
The planned reductions have raised concerns among some military experts and alliance officials. Surveillance drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper play a crucial role in intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and monitoring potential threats. A smaller fleet could limit NATO’s ability to maintain continuous surveillance across key regions, particularly along the alliance’s eastern flank.
Despite these concerns, NATO officials insist that the alliance will remain capable of meeting its defence commitments. Colonel Martin O’Donnell, a spokesperson for NATO’s military headquarters, said the areas highlighted by General Grynkewich are sectors where European allies already possess substantial capabilities or are expected to acquire them in the near future.
According to O’Donnell, the issue is not a shortage of equipment but rather ensuring that existing national assets are formally assigned to NATO’s defence plans. He emphasized that no significant defence gaps are expected to emerge if member states fulfil their commitments and dedicate the necessary resources to the alliance.
The changes come at a sensitive time for NATO. The alliance continues to face challenges stemming from Russia’s military activities and broader security concerns across Europe. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding future U.S. involvement has prompted some European governments to accelerate efforts to strengthen their own defence industries and military forces.
Several European countries have already increased defence spending in recent years, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO leaders have repeatedly called for members to meet or exceed the alliance’s defence spending targets, arguing that a stronger and more self-sufficient Europe is essential for long-term security.
However, critics argue that reducing U.S. military commitments could send an unintended political message. Jim Townsend, a former senior Pentagon official now affiliated with the Center for a New American Security, warned that the move could create uncertainty among allies while potentially encouraging adversaries to test NATO’s resolve.
He argued that, at a time when European nations face growing pressure from Russia, Washington should focus on demonstrating strong support for its allies rather than reducing military resources available to the alliance.
The debate highlights a broader transformation taking place within NATO. As the United States seeks to shift more responsibility to its allies, European nations are being challenged to expand their military capabilities, strengthen readiness, and assume a greater role in collective defence. Whether allies can successfully fill the gaps left by reduced American contributions may shape the future of NATO and the security architecture of Europe for years to come.
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