US to Reduce NATO Fighter Jet Presence by One-Third

The United States plans to significantly reduce the military capabilities it would provide to NATO in the event of a crisis, the German magazine Spiegel reported, citing discussions at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels.

According to the report, Washington wants to limit the number of strategic bombers, fighter jets, warships and tanker aircraft available to its allies. The number of US fighter jets assigned to NATO is expected to fall by a third, while the Navy is set to provide fewer destroyers. At the same time, the US reportedly does not plan to allocate submarines to the alliance.

President Donald Trump’s administration has long criticized European allies for low defense spending. Trump has also repeatedly raised the possibility of withdrawing US troops from Europe and questioned the extent of Washington’s commitment to NATO.

According to Spiegel, European countries are now expected to provide more of their own capabilities, including reconnaissance drones. NATO also reportedly acknowledged that the alliance has been “overly dependent” on the US so far.

(reuters, bak)