NATO Urges Europe to Fill U.S. Force Gaps by July 8 as Washington Cuts Key Assets
Updated
Updated · Fortune · Jun 12
NATO Urges Europe to Fill U.S. Force Gaps by July 8 as Washington Cuts Key Assets
3 articles · Updated · Fortune · Jun 12
Summary
Gen. Alex Grynkewich said European allies and Canada must rapidly backfill U.S. shortfalls in aircraft, warships, long-range fires and drones before NATO leaders meet in Turkey on July 7-8.
The push follows a Pentagon notice last month that the United States would scale down forces earmarked for a European crisis to focus more on China and the Indo-Pacific.
Media reports indicate the cuts could remove an aircraft carrier group, a submarine, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets—capabilities Europe already lacks in sufficient numbers.
NATO also said it will trim its Kosovo force, where KFOR still includes 590 U.S. troops, though commanders gave no details on what personnel or equipment will leave.
Grynkewich said current intelligence shows Russia is not seeking a conflict with NATO now, even as European governments warn Moscow could threaten other parts of the continent within three to five years.