Brussels, Belgium – A NATO source said that European member states have successfully closed almost all of the defense gaps left by the reduction in US contributions to the alliance’s defense plans. However, a major gap remains concerning strategic bomber capabilities.
Advances in European defense capabilities
The source, in remarks reported by Reuters, said that the alliance will announce at its summit next week that European countries have managed to fill most of the gaps resulting from the reduced US role in joint defense plans.
He added that this move reflects the increased contribution of European countries to strengthening the alliance’s military capabilities.
gap in strategic bombers
The source explained that the most significant remaining gap is in strategic bombers.
He noted that the United States informed the alliance that it would provide only one strategic bomber instead of two. This leaves a deficiency in this area of military capability.
He affirmed that the alliance continues to work to find solutions to this gap.
Preparations before the summit
These statements come ahead of next week’s NATO summit. The summit will discuss ways to strengthen defense capabilities and share the military burden between the United States and European countries.
Defense spending, developing military capabilities, and supporting the European flank within the alliance are expected to top the agenda of the upcoming summit. This comes amidst ongoing security challenges facing the European continent.
