The U.S. expects European NATO allies and Canada to swiftly increase the number of manned and unmanned aircraft and ships they contribute to the alliance¡¯s defense plans as Washington steps back in these areas, a top U.S. general said on Wednesday.

The statement ?by U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO¡¯s top commander and the head of U.S. forces in Europe, followed ?a decision ?by the Trump administration to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO ?in a crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO and told its European members they will have to take over primary responsibility for the conventional defense of the continent.