NATO admiral warns of potential US troop drawdowns in Europe amid Indo-Pacific shift

The United States is committed to NATO but may reduce its military presence in Europe as its strategic focus pivots to the Indo-Pacific region, NATO's new Military Committee Chair, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, said during an interview at the Munich Security Conference.

Admiral Cavo Dragone, who took over as chair in January, explained that the US is unlikely to pull out of NATO entirely, but troop withdrawals could be considered due to the nation’s growing priorities in the Pacific, Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media agencies.

He acknowledged that the US has made significant commitments in other parts of the world, but he reassured that these adjustments wouldn’t entail drastic cuts. "I don’t think there will be a huge number of Americans taken out from Europe," he noted.

The announcement came amid rising concerns among European leaders about the US’s shifting focus, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and NATO's evolving priorities. European leaders at the Munich conference were grappling with the implications of the Trump administration's approach to transatlantic relations, particularly after a rocky period during Trump’s presidency when he questioned NATO’s financial fairness.

While the US may scale back its troop presence, Cavo Dragone highlighted the necessity for European nations to bolster their own military capacities. He stressed that NATO’s strategic rebalancing requires a greater commitment from European members to defend themselves. “There is a kind of imbalance, so we need to re-balance,” the admiral said, emphasizing that Europe must take more responsibility in defence matters. He rejected the notion that Europe was incapable of defending itself, calling such ideas "blasphemy."

These comments align with the ongoing push within NATO to strengthen European defence capabilities. Cavo Dragone’s statements echo earlier calls from NATO officials urging European allies to increase defence spending in the face of US resource reallocation.

The conversation at the Munich conference follows remarks by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Brussels earlier this month. At the meeting of European defence ministers, Hegseth emphasized that Europe could no longer rely on the US to guarantee its security. He pointed out that shifting strategic priorities means the US must focus on other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific, which has become a key area of concern for US foreign policy.

Additionally, Hegseth asserted that future funding for Ukraine’s defence efforts should predominantly come from European nations, as the US has already contributed extensively in terms of military aid and financial assistance to Ukraine. His comments reflect President Trump’s view that NATO’s member countries should increase their defence spending and take on a more substantial share of the burden for regional security.

Hegseth’s statement raised concerns among some European officials, who saw it as a sign that the US might be withdrawing from its leadership role within NATO. The US has long held the largest military presence within NATO, including its nuclear arsenal, and any move to reduce its involvement could mark a major shift in the alliance’s security structure.

The remarks also prompted questions about the US's commitment to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defence clause, which obligates member states to defend one another in the event of an attack. Given the US’s dominant role in NATO, its potential pullback could have far-reaching implications for the alliance’s credibility, especially as Europe faces mounting security challenges, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Despite these concerns, Cavo Dragone stressed that any US withdrawal from Europe would need to be managed “with an operational attitude,” and that NATO members must be prepared to fill any gaps in defence readiness. European officials will have to balance their growing defence responsibilities with the strategic realignment of US forces, ensuring that NATO remains a cohesive and effective security alliance.

By Tamilla Hasanova