European Allies Fill Military Gaps as U.S. Reduces NATO Force

The United States is accelerating its military decoupling from European security, prompting European allies to rapidly replace removed assets to maintain alliance defense plans. This shift follows a diplomatic rift over the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, during which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blocked U.S. forces from using Spanish airspace and bases. In response, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. force posture in Europe, calling the lack of base access "shameful."

As part of this transition, the Trump administration has removed approximately 5,000 troops from Germany and reduced the pool of committed assets, including F-15 jets, Reaper drones, and refueling aircraft. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich stated these cuts aim to end an "unhealthy co-dependence" as Washington prepares for potential simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters.

NATO officials, including General Grynkewich and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe Sir John Stringer, report that European allies have largely filled the resulting gaps in air and maritime domains. However, a significant shortfall remains in strategic bombers, where the U.S. now provides only one aircraft instead of two.

NATO intends to formally announce these updated defense plans at the July 7-8 summit in Ankara, Turkey. All 32 member nations are working toward a defense spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035, a commitment Sir John Stringer emphasized must be maintained by the United Kingdom following the resignation of its defense secretary.