The United States is transferring leadership of two major NATO regional commands to European allies, signaling a significant shift in defense responsibilities. Diplomats confirmed Monday that NATO’s Naples command in southern Europe will be handed to Italy, while the Norfolk command in Virginia, covering northern alliance operations, will go to Britain.

In exchange, the US will take command of NATO’s maritime forces based in the United Kingdom. According to NATO officials, these changes, first reported by French outlet La Lettre, will take several months to fully implement.

“It’s a good sign of burden-sharing in practice,” one diplomat said, highlighting Washington’s push for European countries to take greater responsibility for their own defense.

The command shuffle aligns with US efforts to recalibrate its military presence in Europe, allowing focus on other global threats, such as China, while maintaining control of NATO’s core air, land, and sea operations. The US will also continue to hold the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position.

European nations have recently increased defense budgets in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have committed to raising NATO’s defense spending targets.

Despite concerns over President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy—such as his controversial Greenland remarks—US NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker emphasized that the move strengthens the alliance.

“We’re trying to make NATO stronger, not withdraw or reject NATO, but make it work as an alliance of 32 strong and capable allies,” Whitaker said.

This historic realignment of NATO commands marks a key step in the US-led strategy to bolster European defense while ensuring the alliance remains cohesive and capable.