The United States will continue providing NATO with essential military capabilities, although its contribution is expected to become more limited as European allies assume greater responsibility for the defense of the continent, NATO’s top commander said Thursday.
U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, made the comments during a telephone interview with Reuters while traveling to a change-of-command ceremony at NATO’s headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. The ceremony marked a leadership transition in which a British army general was set to replace a U.S. Navy vice admiral.
The remarks came as NATO increases intelligence sharing following a series of sabotage incidents and other activities that the alliance believes may be connected to Russia. Grynkewich said NATO should remain composed and confident in its ability to manage potential threats.
Denmark’s defense intelligence service has warned that Russia could increase hybrid warfare activities against Western countries in the coming months. The assessment also identified a low but increasing possibility of a limited Russian military attack against one or more NATO members bordering Russia.
Grynkewich described the recent incidents as concerning, citing events including an attempted drone attack at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport and an incident in which a Russian vessel fired flares toward a Danish military helicopter. He nevertheless emphasized NATO’s ability to respond to emerging risks.
Russia has repeatedly rejected accusations that it is conducting hybrid warfare or sabotage operations against NATO countries and has denied planning a confrontation with the alliance.
NATO Says It Is Prepared for a Potential Attack
When asked about the possibility of a limited Russian military attack on NATO territory, Grynkewich said such an event was unlikely but could not be completely excluded. He emphasized that the alliance remains prepared to respond if necessary.
Grynkewich also rejected suggestions that Russia might view reductions in U.S. stocks of precision long-range missiles as an opportunity to test NATO’s defenses. He said NATO remains positioned to defend its territory and that he has the authority required to take action if emerging threats create a need to deter aggression.
NATO Adjusts Its Command Structure
The leadership change at Joint Force Command Norfolk is part of a broader adjustment within NATO as European allies assume greater responsibility for their own defense. A European commander is also due to take charge of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples.
Joint Force Command Norfolk oversees NATO operations involving the Arctic and northern Europe and has responsibility for protecting transatlantic reinforcement and resupply routes.
The changes come amid an ongoing review of the U.S. military presence in Europe. Seeking to reassure European allies, Grynkewich said Washington would continue to provide “critical but more limited capabilities” to NATO as European countries take on a larger role.
He said there is currently no predetermined decision regarding how many U.S. troops will remain in Europe or which capabilities could eventually be relocated. Approximately 80,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed across the continent.
The evolving division of responsibilities follows longstanding calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for European NATO members to contribute more to their own defense. Trump has also repeatedly criticized European allies over defense spending and questioned the future of the U.S. role in the alliance.
