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NATO commander says Europe has backfilled most gaps from US cutbacks on military equipment
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- NATO’s top commander, U.S. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, stated that European allies have largely compensated for the reduction in U.S. military contributions following Washington's decision to scale back support for Europe.
- The U.S. announced on June 3 it would no longer provide key assets such as an aircraft carrier, support ships, aerial refueling planes, and fighter jets to NATO in Europe, shifting focus to threats from China in the Indo-Pacific.
- European NATO members, including Britain, have increased readiness by allocating additional military resources, such as a second aircraft carrier and F35 jets, to fill gaps left by the U.S. reductions.
- Grynkewich mentioned that for remaining capability shortfalls, NATO is exploring alternative options with equivalent effects, though he did not provide specific details.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte downplayed the impact of the U.S. decision, emphasizing that the U.S. would likely redeploy forces to Europe if a conflict arose, maintaining the alliance’s collective defense posture.
