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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

NATO: Armed Forces

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of all central commands being led by the United States on NATO operations.

Answer

While the US will now command all of the Theatre Component Commands (TCC), the UK and other European allies will hold the respective Deputy Commander positions on rotation. This will give the UK insight and influence at these central commands.

By focusing on the Component Commands, the US have ceded 4* command of the Joint Force Commands (JFC), which control operations in their respective areas of operations. This will allow greater 4* representation for the largest Allies and enables burden shifting to European nations, with the UK taking command of JFC Norfolk.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112838
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Armed forces USA NATO Command and control
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk