The United States plans a significant reduction in the military assets it provides for NATO operations in Europe, according to senior European officials briefed on the decision. The move would scale back key air and naval capabilities, reducing the alliance’s surveillance coverage and ability to conduct long-range strike operations.
The reported changes include reducing fighter aircraft assigned to NATO missions from about 150 F-16 and F-15E jets to 100, cutting maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and removing eight aerial refueling tankers previously available to Europe. The plan also reallocates a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships and aircraft, as well as one of two bomber groups assigned to European defense.
Officials said allies were informed of the changes in early June. A timeline has not been publicly announced, though U.S. officials have indicated the drawdown could take effect soon.
