• The U.S. has informed NATO allies it plans to 'rightsize' its contributions to the NATO force model, according to U.S. European Command.
  • The move could shift more defense responsibility onto European allies, potentially accelerating their defense spending and capability development.
  • The decision comes amid ongoing debates over burden-sharing within the alliance and could have significant implications for NATO's operational readiness and transatlantic security dynamics.

The U.S. government has privately informed NATO allies that it intends to adjust its military contributions to the alliance's force model, according to a statement from U.S. European Command. The move, described as a 'rightsizing,' is expected to involve a reduction in the concrete assets and personnel the U.S. dedicates to NATO's crisis response and defense plans.

Sources familiar with the matter say the decision has been communicated to NATO counterparts in recent days, though specific details on which assets will be cut and the timeline remain under wraps. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the adjustment is part of a broader review of force posture and burden-sharing, emphasizing that the U.S. remains committed to NATO's collective defense.

European allies, particularly those on the eastern flank, are bracing for the potential impact. A senior European diplomat said, 'We are taking this seriously and are already discussing how to fill any gaps.' The diplomat added that the alliance's deterrence posture would need to be reassessed if the U.S. pullback is significant.

The NATO force model, established at the Madrid and Vilnius summits, defines member contributions for different phases of crisis response. Any reduction by the U.S., the alliance's largest contributor, could force Europe to accelerate its defense investments. Analysts say the move could bolster arguments for higher defense spending, with many allies already under pressure to meet the 2% GDP benchmark.

Defense stocks in Europe saw mixed trading on the news, with some investors betting on increased procurement by European governments. 'This could be a catalyst for European defense industries,' said an analyst at a London-based investment bank. 'If allies have to compensate, they'll need more equipment and faster."

Reaction from NATO headquarters in Brussels has been measured. A NATO spokesperson said the alliance 'does not comment on internal consultations' but reaffirmed that 'burden-sharing remains a key topic of discussion.' The spokesperson noted that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has consistently called for equitable contributions.

For the U.S., the move aligns with long-standing political pressures to reduce overseas commitments. However, critics warn it could undermine deterrence at a time when Russia's war in Ukraine has heightened security concerns. 'This is a risky gamble,' said a former U.S. defense official. 'If Europe can't step up quickly, we create a vulnerability.'

European defense ministries are likely to respond with public statements emphasizing their commitment to bolstering capabilities. Some, like Poland and the Baltic states, may see this as validation for their already ambitious defense plans. Others, such as Germany, face domestic hurdles to rapid spending increases.

Attempts to reach the White House and the Pentagon for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the U.S. had already issued a formal withdrawal notification. The U.S. has informed allies of its intentions, but details remain under discussion.