The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's military leader is always American, and Wolters was nominated by acting US defence secretary Patrick Shanahan.

"The North Atlantic Council has approved the nomination," the alliance announced, adding that he must still be confirmed under US procedures.

General Wolters is currently serving as Commander, United States Air Forces Europe, United States Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command.

Wolters is a former fighter pilot who fought in four US operations in Iraq: Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom

He will formally replace the current SACEUR, General Curtis Scaparrotti, at a ceremony in the coming weeks at NATO's headquarters in Mons, Belgium.