US Plans to Reduce NATO Assets in Europe

The United States is preparing to reduce the number of aircraft and naval assets it contributes to NATO operations in Europe, according to The New York Times, citing two senior European officials.

The planned reductions would affect key capabilities, including reconnaissance, aerial refueling and long-range strike operations.

According to the report, Washington intends to cut the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets assigned to NATO missions in Europe from roughly 150 to 100. The fleet of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft could be reduced from 26 to 15, while all eight tanker aircraft currently allocated to the region may be withdrawn.

The changes could also affect missile-armed submarines, an aircraft carrier, several warships, and dozens of aircraft involved in NATO operations. One of the two US bomber groups assigned to Europe could reportedly be redeployed elsewhere.

Last week, US European Command said America’s contribution to NATO’s force model would be optimized, but did not provide further details.

President Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly criticized European allies for insufficient defense spending and has urged NATO members to increase military expenditures to 3.5% of GDP.

(reuters, bak)