US commits more forces to Europe as NATO members approve new strategic concept
USAF F-35As at RAF Lakenheath, UK. (Photo: USAF)
In the face of the biggest crisis in European security for decades, NATO has strengthened its resolve and will expand to include Sweden and Finland.
On 29 June, the US committed an additional two destroyers, F-35 fighter jets and more personnel to Europe as NATO leaders agreed to a new strategic concept for the alliance in Madrid, Spain.
The Madrid NATO summit also saw Turkey withdraw its objections to expanding the collective defence alliance to include long-neutral Sweden and Finland.
In a press conference, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said alliance country leaders had decided 'a fundamental shift' in defence and deterrence.
The alliance also pledged to continue supporting Ukraine's defence against the ongoing invasion by Russia.
Stoltenberg said that in the long-term, NATO would
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
-
![US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress]()
US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress
While the US struggles to modernise the 50-year-old land leg of its nuclear triad, China has been rapidly developing and fielding new nuclear capabilities.
