NATO Allies Move to Fill Gaps Left by US Military Cuts

NATO member states have increased their contributions to the alliance's crisis response forces, largely filling the gaps created by reduced US commitments, Secretary General Mark Rutte said ahead of Thursday's meeting of defense ministers in Brussels.

Rutte acknowledged that some areas still require further work but said the overall picture is positive. The issue is gaining importance ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara in July, after Washington informed allies last month that it would reduce some of the military capabilities allocated to the alliance for crisis situations.

The US cuts affect several types of forces and equipment, including fighter jets, refueling aircraft, drones, ships and strategic bombers. According to a Reuters source, the number of F-15 and F-15E fighter jets allocated to NATO will be reduced by one third, MQ-4 and MQ-9 Reaper drones will be cut by half, and naval and air force capabilities will also be scaled back.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, has previously called on European allies and Canada to urgently increase the number of aircraft and ships committed to the alliance's defense plans. Some European countries have expressed concern about a possible further reduction in the US presence in NATO.

(Reuters, bak)