European Allies Take over NATO Joint Force Commands
•February 10, 2026
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Why It Matters
The realignment deepens European burden‑sharing, strengthening NATO’s collective defense while preserving U.S. strategic influence. It signals a more balanced transatlantic command structure amid evolving security challenges.
Key Takeaways
- •UK to command Joint Force Command Norfolk
- •Italy assumes Joint Force Command Naples leadership
- •Germany and Poland rotate Joint Force Command Brunssum
- •US retains theatre component command authority
- •Shift underscores deeper European NATO responsibility
Pulse Analysis
NATO’s decision to transfer Joint Force Command leadership to European partners marks a historic shift in the Alliance’s command architecture. Historically, the United States has overseen the four‑star operational headquarters that direct NATO forces during crises. By placing the United Kingdom, Italy, and a German‑Polish rotation at the helm of Norfolk, Naples, and Brunssum respectively, NATO aims to distribute decision‑making authority more evenly across the bloc. This move reflects broader strategic goals of enhancing European defence autonomy while maintaining a cohesive command framework.
The redistribution also carries significant implications for transatlantic relations. While Europe assumes greater operational responsibility, the United States retains control of the three theatre component commands—Maritime, Land, and Air—as well as the pivotal Supreme Allied Commander Europe role. This balance ensures that the U.S. continues to shape NATO’s strategic direction, preserving its deterrence credibility, while European nations gain valuable command experience. Defense contractors and national militaries alike will need to adapt to new reporting lines and joint planning processes, potentially accelerating interoperability initiatives.
Looking ahead, the phased implementation aligns with scheduled personnel rotations, allowing a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing missions. However, the success of this model depends on sustained political will and resource commitments from European members. As security threats evolve—from great‑power competition to hybrid warfare—the shared leadership structure could enhance NATO’s agility and resilience. Stakeholders should monitor how this rebalancing influences budget allocations, force posture, and the Alliance’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging crises.
European allies take over NATO joint force commands
NATO has agreed a major redistribution of leadership responsibilities across its command structure, with European allies set to take control of all three of the Alliance’s Joint Force Commands while the United States retains leadership of NATO’s key theatre component commands.
The changes, agreed by allies on 6 February and announced on 10 February, form part of what NATO described as a shift towards more evenly shared responsibility within the Alliance, while also underlining continued US commitment to NATO command and control.
Under the new arrangement, the United Kingdom will take over command of Joint Force Command Norfolk, while Italy will assume command of Joint Force Command Naples. Both commands are currently led by the United States. Germany and Poland will also share leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum on a rotational basis.
NATO said the shift means all three Joint Force Commands, the Alliance’s four-star operational headquarters responsible for leading NATO forces in crisis and conflict, will be commanded by European allies. At the same time, the United States will lead all three of NATO’s theatre component commands. This includes taking over responsibility for Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), while maintaining leadership of Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) and Allied Air Command (AIRCOM).
In a statement, NATO said the changes would be introduced gradually over the coming years, aligned with existing scheduled personnel rotations. The Alliance described the agreement as part of a broader effort to rebalance leadership roles as European allies take on greater responsibility within NATO’s command structure. NATO also emphasised that the United States would continue to play a central role, including retaining the post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), traditionally held by a senior US officer.
A NATO spokesperson said the agreement reflected “a shift to more fairly shared responsibility within NATO”, adding that European allies would take on greater leadership roles while the new structure also demonstrated “the US commitment to NATO command and control”.
The post European allies take over NATO joint force commands first appeared on UK Defence Journal.
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