US plans major reduction in military assets for Nato in Europe: report

WASHINGTON: The United States is planning a significant reduction in the military assets it provides to Nato in Europe, according to a report published by the New York Times, as European allies accelerate efforts to strengthen their own defence capabilities amid growing security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The report, citing two senior European officials, said Washington intends to reduce the number of fighter jets assigned to Europe by approximately one-third, while also withdrawing all eight aerial refuelling tankers currently supporting Nato operations on the continent.

In addition, the United States is expected to scale back its maritime surveillance presence by reducing reconnaissance aircraft deployments. Other military assets reportedly being considered for reassignment include a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier, a bomber task force, as well as several warships and combat aircraft.

The reported move comes at a time when European governments are increasing defence spending and military preparedness amid concerns that Russia could pose a future threat to a Nato member state following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato allies for relying too heavily on American military protection and failing to contribute sufficiently to collective defence efforts. He has also expressed frustration over what he views as a lack of support from European allies in ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Earlier this month, the United States European Command announced that it would reassess Washington’s military contributions to Nato to ensure that European countries assume primary responsibility for their conventional defence capabilities.

US General Alexus Grynkewich criticised what he described as an “unhealthy co-dependence” on American forces, signalling a broader shift in Washington’s strategic approach toward burden-sharing within the alliance.

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Founded in 1949, North Atlantic Treaty Organization is built on the principle of collective defence, under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. The alliance currently comprises 32 member states across North America and Europe.

Despite reports of a potential reduction in military deployments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently confirmed that President Trump will attend the upcoming Nato summit in Türkiye in July.

Rubio described the gathering as potentially one of the most important meetings in the alliance’s history, saying key issues regarding Nato’s future structure, responsibilities and strategic direction would need to be addressed.

The Pentagon has not yet publicly commented on the reported plans, while European governments are closely monitoring developments that could reshape the balance of defence responsibilities within the transatlantic alliance.