US plans to withdraw one-third of its fighter jets from Europe under NATO footprint reduction

The United States plans to significantly cut the military forces and capabilities it allocates to NATO operations in Europe, according to reports.

According to a report by The New York Times, which cited two European officials and an official document sent to allies in early June, the prepared plan involves a serious reduction in military presence.

Under the plan, the Washington administration aims to reduce the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets it keeps ready for NATO operations in Europe from approximately 150 to 100.

In addition, the plan entails reducing the number of maritime patrol and intelligence aircraft in the region from 26 to 15, and completely withdrawing all eight tanker aircraft previously assigned to the European theater.

The military reduction plan is not limited to aerial assets. The US also reportedly aims to redeploy an aircraft carrier, a missile-equipped nuclear submarine, and their accompanying support ships and air assets from the region to another theater.

Furthermore, the relocation of one of the two strategic bomber groups dedicated to Europe’s defense is envisioned.

According to the newspaper, these decisions, which are expected to take effect soon, will directly impact the alliance’s capabilities in intelligence gathering, tracking Russian submarines, and conducting long-range strikes.

While the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) avoided commenting on specific figures regarding the matter, it limited its response to referencing a recent statement by the US European Command (EUCOM) regarding its intention to review the volume of American commitments in the region.

The New York Times noted that this decision is linked to US President Donald Trump’s administration’s policy of reducing the military presence in Europe and shifting a portion of resources to the Indo-Pacific region.

However, the report also emphasized that despite the planned reductions, the US will continue to maintain one of the largest NATO military footprints on the European continent.

The German magazine Der Spiegel had also reported in late May, citing its own sources, that the US planned to reduce the military forces and capabilities it provides to the alliance.

According to Spiegel’s report, Washington wishes to decrease its participation under NATO’s “Force Model,” which was agreed upon in 2022.

In this process, it is reported that while the US will maintain its participation in Europe’s nuclear deterrence system, European allies are expected to assume the primary responsibility for the continent’s conventional defense.

The report also noted that Washington is increasing pressure on its European partners to develop their own military capabilities more rapidly and reduce their dependence on American support.

An earlier analysis in the British magazine The Economist reported that alternative military command mechanisms were being discussed in Europe in preparation for a potential decrease in the US role within the alliance or the possibility of Washington blocking decisions.

The magazine pointed out that a rapid reduction of the US military contribution could complicate plans by European nations to gradually replace American capabilities in areas such as intelligence, communications, and missile defense.