The USA is withdrawing important air and naval forces from NATO – without warning. Europe should now close the resulting gaps itself.
June 17, 2026, 12:47 amJune 17, 2026, 12:47 am
The USA has withdrawn important military commitments from NATO for operations at sea and in the air with immediate effect. The “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” (FAZ) learned this from NATO circles. An aircraft carrier group, a long-range bomber group and more than 50 fighter aircraft are affected.
While Trump is at the G7 summit, the USA is reducing its NATO contributions.Image: keystone
According to information from the alliance, the relevant capabilities were removed from NATO plans shortly before a troop contributor conference at the beginning of June. The allies were asked to close the resulting gaps themselves as quickly as possible.
A NATO spokesman indirectly confirmed the change of course to the newspaper. In the past, the alliance “relied too much on US forces and capabilities.” Europe and Canada are now expanding their defense capabilities, so the distribution of responsibility could change.
NATO diplomat: “Finally clarity”
According to information from NATO circles, the cuts primarily affect capabilities at sea and in the air. Accordingly, the USA is withdrawing one of two planned aircraft carrier groups, parts of its destroyer and cruiser formations as well as several reconnaissance and combat aircraft. Long-range reconnaissance drones are also affected.
In NATO, the decision is seen as part of a long-term shift of responsibility to the European allies. A senior NATO diplomat told the FAZ that the step “finally creates clarity”. Although the resulting gaps cannot be completely closed in the short term, they are fundamentally manageable.
According to diplomats and military officials, the step is unlikely to be the last. It is expected in NATO circles that the USA could reduce further military contributions in the coming years. At the same time, it is likely that Washington would continue to provide the affected capabilities in the event of a crisis – provided they are not needed for other areas of operation.
It remains unclear at the moment how quickly Europe can compensate for the resulting skills gaps. Experts see a significant need to catch up, particularly when it comes to long-range precision weapons and capabilities for attacks deep in the enemy’s hinterland.
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