U.S. expects European NATO allies and Canada to increase aircraft and ships as Washington reduces its military contributions to the alliance

U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander and head of U.S. forces in Europe, stated on Wednesday that the U.S. expects European NATO allies and Canada to swiftly increase the number of manned and unmanned aircraft and ships they contribute to NATO's defense plans.

The statement followed a decision by the Trump administration to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO in a crisis.

President Donald Trump has told European NATO members they will have to take over primary responsibility for the conventional defense of the continent.