Key facts
- European allies have increased their contributions to NATO's crisis response forces.
European allies have increased their contributions to NATO's crisis forces to compensate for U.S. cuts, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. The U.S. informed allies last month it would shrink its pool of military capabilities committed to the alliance in a crisis.

The shift in U.S. commitments to NATO crisis forces raises concerns about the alliance's readiness and burden-sharing, particularly as European allies step up to fill the gaps. This development occurs as leaders prepare for a NATO summit and amid ongoing support for Ukraine.
European allies have increased their contributions to NATO's crisis forces to compensate for U.S. cuts, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. The U.S. informed allies last month it would shrink its pool of military capabilities committed to the alliance in a crisis. Rutte noted that while there are areas requiring more work, the overall picture is positive, and he heard encouraging comments from allies regarding support for Ukraine. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich indicated that Washington expects European allies and Canada to bolster their commitments of aircraft and ships to NATO's defense plans. Specific U.S. reductions include a one-third decrease in F-15 fighter jets, a halving of Reaper drones, fewer refuelling aircraft, and a reduction in strategic bombers, aircraft carriers, maritime patrol aircraft, and destroyers.