US plans major cut to fighter jets, warships for NATO operations in Europe - reports

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and warships it makes available for NATO operations in Europe, according to a report by The New York Times citing two senior European officials.

The move is expected to limit NATO’s ability to conduct long-range strike missions and surveillance operations across the region.

According to the report, the U.S. plans to cut the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets assigned to Europe from approximately 150 to 100. The proposal also includes reducing maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15 and removing all eight aerial refueling tanker jets previously allocated to European operations.

The report further stated that the U.S. intends to redeploy a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier, along with several accompanying warships and dozens of aircraft that support carrier missions. One of two bomber groups previously assigned to Europe’s defense may also be reassigned.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the report. NATO and the U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Last week, U.S. Eastern Command said it would “rightsize” its contributions to the NATO Force Model but did not provide additional details.

Reuters reported in May that the United States was considering scaling back the military capabilities it would make available to NATO allies during a major crisis.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European governments for underinvesting in their militaries and relying too heavily on American security support. The administration has also urged European and Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of their gross domestic product. -Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Kate Mayberry/Reuters