India, July 2 -- European nations have successfully stepped in to plug almost all of the military shortfalls left by the United States in the alliance's overarching blueprint, signalling a major pivot toward continental self-reliance ahead of a critical gathering of Western leaders.

The breakthrough development is expected to take centre stage at next week's highly anticipated NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where defence ministers and heads of state will convene to formally solidify the bloc's updated regional defence architecture.

A NATO official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive planning details, confirmed on Wednesday that European member states have rallied to assume responsibilities for the vast majority ...