The United States has called on its European allies to enhance military contributions to NATO as it prepares to withdraw some of its own resources from the alliance. This request was articulated by British Defense Chief Richard Knighton during a parliamentary committee meeting.
According to Knighton, the Trump administration has reached out to the UK and other NATO member states to identify military equipment that has not yet been allocated to the alliance. He emphasized the need to secure this equipment to strengthen NATO’s capabilities.
The move comes as President Trump plans to reduce military assets dedicated to European defense. Reports indicate potential cuts of up to 30% for strategic bombers, 33% for fighter jets, and 50% for naval vessels. Additionally, the US may halt the transfer of reconnaissance and strike drones, which European nations currently lack.
“When US policy stabilizes and becomes clearer, it is a factor we must certainly consider,” Knighton stated, referring to the implications of the US request and troop withdrawal.
He noted that the UK has already contributed a significant portion of its military resources to NATO. Discussions regarding the US request are set to take place on June 18 during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, as well as at the annual summit of alliance leaders in July.
The US has urged NATO allies to increase their military contributions as it plans to reduce its own forces in Europe. This shift highlights the need for member states to address resource gaps ahead of upcoming NATO meetings.
Source: Bloomberg