Italy, Britain Take Leads in US NATO Command Shift

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The U.S. is moving two NATO regional commands from Germany to Italy and Britain to modernize the alliance. 

This shift, part of a strategy to increase European defense responsibility, aims to enhance rapid response capabilities.

It reflects a broader effort to optimize force posture across the continent.

Italy will now lead the Naples command, overseeing the Mediterranean and southern operations. Britain takes charge of the Norfolk command, focusing on the North Atlantic.

These changes create a more resilient, geographically diverse defense network.

The U.S. will simultaneously assume leadership of NATO maritime forces in the U.K.. Officials emphasize this is a strategic adaptation to modern threats rather than a withdrawal.

The transition of equipment and personnel will conclude over several months.

European allies view this “burden-shifting” as a positive move toward alliance modernization. Both Britain and Italy anticipate strategic and economic benefits from their increased roles. NATO leadership has endorsed the plan for a more agile command structure.

Germany remains a central logistics hub for U.S. forces despite these specific command moves. Major installations like Ramstein Air Base will continue to host thousands of American troops. This ensures critical infrastructure is distributed effectively among member nations.

The restructuring allows the U.S. to focus resources on other global priorities, including Asia. Strengthening the northern and southern flanks improves monitoring of sensitive maritime corridors.

Analysts see this as the future of transatlantic defense cooperation.

A senior U.S. defense official noted: “This shift is not about doing less in Europe; it is about doing things better and more strategically. By aligning our command structures with the geography of modern threats, we are ensuring that NATO remains the most capable and responsive alliance in the world.”