NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that allied countries are increasing their contributions to compensate for the reduction in US forces engaged in the Alliance's crisis response mechanisms.
According to him, several member states have increased their military resources in order to fill the gaps left by the reduction of American capabilities, particularly in key areas such as fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, warships and bombers.
This development comes as the United States recently informed its partners of its intention to reduce some of its forces dedicated to NATO crisis operations. This decision is raising questions within the Alliance, as leaders prepare for a summit scheduled for Ankara in July.
Mark Rutte, however, considered that the overall situation remained "encouraging", while acknowledging that some areas still require additional efforts.
The rebalancing of contributions comes at a time when NATO is seeking to strengthen its rapid response capability to potential crises, particularly on its eastern flank. European allies and Canada are thus encouraged to increase their participation in joint defense plans.
NATO's military command also insists on the need for a rapid increase in European capabilities in order to guarantee the credibility of collective deterrence, in coordination with the United States.
The Ankara summit should be an opportunity to continue discussions on the distribution of burdens and the adaptation of the Alliance to new strategic realities.
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