The United States is planning to significantly reduce the aircraft and warships it makes available for NATO operations in Europe, according to reports citing two senior European officials.
The decision, first reported by The New York Times, would limit NATO’s ability to conduct long-range strikes and surveillance operations, potentially reshaping the alliance’s force posture across the continent.
Under the plan, the U.S. would reduce the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets from around 150 to 100, cut maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and withdraw all eight aerial refuelling tanker jets previously assigned to European operations, the report said.
It also includes the possible redeployment of a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier, along with several warships and supporting strike groups. One of two bomber groups previously assigned to Europe’s defence may also be reassigned, according to the report.
It hasn't been possible to independently verify the details yet.
NATO and the U.S. Department of Defense have not commented on the claims.
The U.S. European Command has previously said it intends to “right-size” its contributions to NATO force planning, without providing specifics.
The reported shift follows earlier indications that Washington has been reviewing the level of military capabilities it would make available to allies in a major crisis, amid ongoing calls for European partners to increase defence spending.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly criticised European NATO members for underinvesting in their militaries and relying heavily on American security guarantees. He urged allies to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP.
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