Europe Rises to Meet US Military Shift as NATO Ankara Summit Nears

European allies have largely filled the critical gaps in military equipment left by recent U.S. cutbacks, according to U.S. General Alex Grynkewich, NATO top commander. This swift backfilling comes just days before a high-stakes NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8, where leaders will scrutinize Europe's increased defense capabilities amidst a shifting global security landscape. The U.S. move, announced on June 3, unexpectedly scaled back key assets like aircraft carriers and fighter jets, pushing Europe to rapidly bolster its own contributions to NATO crisis plans. The U.S. decision to reduce its military footprint, particularly in aerial refueling, drones, and destroyers, is driven by a strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region and a desire to reduce what it calls an 'unhealthy co-dependence' within the alliance. This has compelled European nations to accelerate their Defense Spending, with many now meeting the 2% GDP target and aiming for a new 3.5% guideline by 2035. Britain, for instance, responded by putting a second aircraft carrier and F-35 fighter jets on higher readiness, demonstrating a tangible commitment to strengthening the European Pillar of NATO. However, some critical shortfalls, notably in Strategic Bombers, remain, prompting NATO to seek 'alternate capabilities' to achieve the same effect. At the upcoming Ankara Summit, President Donald Trump and other allied leaders will focus heavily on force planning and sustained European contributions. The alliance aims to formalize new roles and responsibilities to ensure collective defense readiness, especially given ongoing threats like Russia's war in Ukraine. This pivotal moment will test NATO unity and its ability to adapt to a new era where European nations increasingly take primary responsibility for their own conventional security, with the U.S. maintaining its nuclear deterrence role. The outcome will set the tone for future transatlantic security cooperation.