NATO air drills showcase unity as Trump questions US commitment to Europe

Major air exercises highlight NATO’s strength while Trump's policies raise concerns about future US support.

Commandant Thomas (right), a pilot with the French Armée de l’Air, and Lieutenant Colonel Yann (left), a navigator, walk past Rafale F4.1 aircraft on the tarmac during a NATO air force exercise called "Ramstein Flag" at Leeuwarden Air Base on April 9, 2025. Photo by John Thys/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

NATO air drills showcase unity as Trump questions US commitment to Europe, sending mixed signals at a time when the alliance is actively demonstrating its strength in the skies above the Netherlands. Fighter jets from the United States, France, Finland, and Germany have been roaring off the tarmac in coordinated maneuvers from a Dutch base, marking NATO's largest air exercise of the year. The operation, designed to simulate and counter a potential enemy assault on allied nations, comes as tensions continue to rise due to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

However, while NATO remains focused on deterring external threats from the East, another concern is growing within the alliance—Washington’s wavering commitment. US President Donald Trump’s return to office has sparked a wave of anxiety across Europe. His recent rhetoric has suggested that the United States might reconsider its role in defending Europe, especially as his administration appears increasingly focused on strategic challenges from China.

During the high-profile NATO drills, which included over 100 aircraft and thousands of military personnel, leaders and defense strategists were forced to respond not only to hypothetical enemy attacks but also to real-world political uncertainties. The presence of American fighter jets and US leadership at the exercises served as a powerful symbol of solidarity, but the shadow of Trump’s foreign policy loomed large.

The exercises in the Netherlands are meant to ensure that NATO is prepared to defend its members swiftly and decisively. With Finland now a full NATO member and Sweden on the verge of joining, the alliance has strengthened its northern flank. Yet, the question remains: can NATO function effectively without a solid commitment from its largest and most powerful member?

General James Hecker, the top US and NATO air commander in Europe, sought to calm nerves during a press briefing at the event. “We recently elected a new president, and we're still trying to figure out the exact policies that they're going to be coming out with,” Hecker said. “I think you're going to see us hand in hand with the Europeans for quite some time.”

Still, that reassurance may not be enough for some European officials. Trump has a history of criticizing NATO allies for what he calls their insufficient defense spending and has previously threatened to pull US troops from key positions in Europe. While those threats were never fully realized during his first term, the possibility of them being carried out now feels more real.

The scale of the NATO air exercise is significant not only in military terms but also politically. The event demonstrates a coordinated commitment to collective defense, a cornerstone of NATO's founding treaty. Jets flying in formation from different nations reflect a sense of shared purpose. Command and control structures are being tested. Response times are being measured. Interoperability—how well NATO members can work together in a crisis—is being refined.

For nations bordering Russia or located within its sphere of influence, these drills are not theoretical. They represent a lifeline. Countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and now Finland and Sweden are more dependent than ever on NATO’s collective defense promise. But if Trump’s administration were to act on its hints of pulling back from Europe, that lifeline could fray.

The drills are also an opportunity to show the alliance's readiness to meet challenges beyond Europe. Though the focus is on Russia, the alliance is increasingly concerned about global stability. China’s growing assertiveness, cyber warfare, and threats in space are now regular topics on NATO’s agenda.

While uncertainty surrounds America’s future role, Europe is beginning to acknowledge the need for greater self-reliance. Several nations have boosted their defense budgets in recent years, responding both to the war in Ukraine and Trump’s previous calls for more equitable burden-sharing. Germany, historically cautious in military matters, has pledged over €100 billion in military modernization. France, too, is pushing for greater European strategic autonomy.

Still, analysts warn that the gap between US and European capabilities remains significant. If US forces were to withdraw from the continent or reduce their support for NATO missions, it could take years for Europe to fill the void—if it ever could.

European unity on this issue also faces challenges. While some governments are keen to spend more and prepare for future threats, others remain constrained by domestic politics, budgets, or a desire to avoid antagonizing Russia further.

Despite all the uncertainty, the fighter jets in the Dutch sky this week told a powerful story. NATO is still strong. It is still capable. And it remains a deterrent to any potential aggressor, especially as Russia remains bogged down in its war against Ukraine. The message was clear: the alliance is preparing for any scenario, including the worst-case ones.

But the message also carried a note of caution—unity cannot be taken for granted. Political shifts in one member state, especially a superpower like the United States, can create ripple effects that reach every corner of the alliance. NATO’s strength has always relied not only on military power but also on shared values, trust, and the belief that every member will stand by the others.

If Trump moves forward with a reduced US role in Europe, it will test those values more than any military exercise ever could.

For now, NATO commanders are holding the line, both literally and figuratively. The skies over the Netherlands remain filled with the thunder of jet engines, a visible and audible testament to collective defense. Yet in diplomatic corridors across Europe, conversations are shifting. How can NATO remain strong if one of its pillars begins to crumble?