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The United States is preparing to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and naval assets allocated to NATO operations in Europe, according to a report by The New York Times citing a written briefing shared with союзники at the beginning of June.
The document reportedly outlines a major redistribution of American military resources away from Europe, affecting both air and naval components of NATO’s operational capabilities.
According to the report, the planned reductions include a decrease in the number of fighter jets assigned to European missions. The presence of F-16 and F-15E aircraft is expected to drop from approximately 150 to 100 units. Maritime patrol aviation will also be reduced, from 26 to 15 aircraft. In addition, all eight aerial refueling aircraft previously available for European operations are set to be withdrawn.
The changes extend beyond aviation. The United States is also repositioning key naval assets, including a guided-missile submarine and an aircraft carrier strike group with accompanying vessels, shifting them to other strategic regions.
Furthermore, one of the two strategic bomber groups assigned to European defense missions will be withdrawn, according to the report. The Pentagon has declined to confirm specific figures related to the planned changes.
The reported reduction would affect NATO’s capabilities in long-range strike operations, maritime surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare. European allies were reportedly informed that the adjustments may occur more quickly than previously anticipated.
The development comes amid rising security concerns in Europe. Recent incidents, including drone strikes affecting NATO territory, have intensified debates about defense readiness and burden-sharing within the alliance.
At the same time, several European countries are reassessing their own defense programs and industrial cooperation projects, reflecting growing uncertainty about long-term transatlantic military planning.
