US to ‘rightsize’ NATO force contributions, says US European Command

Advertisement

Stuttgart: The United States on Wednesday (local time) informed NATO allies that it will reduce and restructure its contributions to the NATO Force Model. This is part of a broader effort to shift greater responsibility for Europe’s conventional defence to European nations and Canada. As a result, it is clear this will significantly impact the entire NATO force structure.

According to the US European Command (EUCOM) press release, US Department of War officials notified allies that the United States would “rightsize” its contributions to the NATO Force Model. This move is in line with “burden sharing” objectives outlined in the 2026 National Defense Strategy and the Department’s vision for a “NATO 3.0.” These changes directly involve the NATO force layout in Europe.

The initiative is being led by the Under Secretary for War for Policy, Elbridge Colby, and is aimed at ensuring Europe assumes primary responsibility for addressing conventional security threats on the continent. Moreover, the restructuring of NATO force elements will play a key role in this shift.

Alexander Velez-Green, Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to the Under Secretary of War for Policy, formally notified allies during a NATO defence policy officials meeting in Brussels on May 22. During this discussion, the NATO force presence and commitments were key topics.

“There has been an unhealthy co-dependence in the NATO Force Model on US forces,” said Commander, US European Command, US Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, (USEUCOM). “President Trump, Secretary Hegseth and others have been clear that this needs to change, and it will change. The potential reality of simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters demands it.” This highlights a critical change in the overall NATO force posture.

Grynkewich said the planned adjustments would strengthen NATO’s defence plans by making them more realistic and reducing reliance on US forces. These US forces may be needed to deter threats and respond to contingencies in other regions. Therefore, a diversified NATO force composition is central to these plans.

Advertisement

He added that the move reflects the growing military capabilities of non-US NATO allies. In other words, the collective strength of the NATO force is increasing as European members bolster their own contributions.

Grynkewich, who also serves as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), noted the change was coordinated between his two commands – USEUCOM and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) – over many months. Such coordination is necessary for effective changes to the NATO force deployment.

“Two areas where Canada and European Allies can step-up now and in the near term ,  as the United States reduces forces ‘sourced’ to the NATO Force Model in Europe and refocus them elsewhere – is with manned and unmanned aircraft, and with naval vessels,” he said. Because of this, increased responsibility in these areas will alter the balance within the NATO force presence.

The issue was discussed again during a NATO force sourcing conference held June 2 to 3 at SHAPE headquarters in Mons, Belgium. The conference was chaired by the UK Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. As a result, this conference played a pivotal role in evaluating the future of the NATO force allocation.

“SHAPE continues to work with Allies to offset the reduced American capabilities,” Grynkewich said while addressing representatives from NATO’s 32 member militaries. “Allies have been stepping up. And nations have an opportunity to contribute and send a clear message of strength and commitment to our common defense ahead of July’s NATO Summit in Ankara.” The increased involvement further demonstrates a robust NATO force in Europe.

(ANI)

Also Read: Pakistan’s inflation crisis deepens as government employees demand urgent relief

Advertisement