The Trump administration is planning to significantly reduce the scale of forces and military assets the United States provides to NATO in Europe, according to reports published in the United States. The move, if implemented, is expected to impact the alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities on the continent against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Russia.
According to a New York Times report, the US intends to cut the number of fighter jets available for NATO missions in Europe from around 150 to around 100. Additionally, the administration is considering reducing maritime patrol aircraft from 26 to 15 and removing all eight aerial refueling tankers previously assigned to operations on the continent.
The report also noted that the plan includes redeploying a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier, and additional vessels, along with dozens of aircraft participating in carrier-related missions. Furthermore, one of two bomber groups previously assigned to Europe’s defense may be transferred to other operational areas.
The move aligns with the approach President Donald Trump has pursued since entering the White House, demanding that European nations shoulder a greater share of their own defense burden. Trump and his associates have repeatedly emphasized in recent months that many countries on the continent rely too heavily on American defense and aren’t investing enough in their own security budgets.
Reuters reported in May that Washington is examining further reductions in military capabilities that would be made available to allies during a major security crisis. That report also mentioned plans to withdraw more than 5,000 American troops stationed in Germany.
NATO and the US Defense Department have not yet officially responded to the published details. However, last week US European Command said it intends to “adjust its contribution to NATO’s force model,” without specifying what changes would actually be implemented.