Defense Secretary Ash Carter says the U.S. will contribute weapons, aircraft and forces, including commandos, for NATO's rapid reaction force to help Europe defend itself against Russia from the east and violent extremists from the south.

Under the plan, the U.S. will contribute intelligence and surveillance capabilities, special operations forces, logistics, transport aircraft, and a range of weapons support that could include bombers, fighters and ship-based missiles. It would not provide a large ground force.

Carter announced the U.S. contribution after meeting with defense ministers from Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. Those countries had agreed to provide the initial troops for the "very high readiness task force", which was announced last year at the NATO summit in Wales.

Carter says the US is "deeply committed" to the defense of Europe.