US plans reduction of fighters and ships for NATO operations, says newspaper

The United States plans to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and warships made available for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) operations in Europe, The New York Times reported this Friday (12), citing two high-ranking European officials.

The decision would limit the military alliance's ability to carry out long-range strikes and conduct surveillance missions, according to the report.

The US plan calls for reducing the number of F-16 and F-15E fighters from around 150 to 100 units, in addition to cutting the contingent of maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15 and removing all eight aerial refueling tankers previously made available to Europe, the newspaper reported.

The proposal also includes the repositioning of a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier, along with several warships and dozens of aircraft that participate in the carrier battle group's missions.

According to the newspaper, one of the two groups of bombers previously assigned to the defense of Europe may also be relocated.

US Eastern Command said in a statement last week that it intends to "appropriately scale" its contribution to NATO's Force Model, without providing further details.

In May, the United States was already planning to reduce the military capabilities it would make available to alliance allies in the event of a major crisis.

President Donald Trump's government has repeatedly accused European governments of underinvesting in their Armed Forces and relying excessively on American protection, while at the same time pressuring both European and Asian allies to increase their defense spending to 3.5% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

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Source: CNN