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The Guardian World1 min read
US to cut air and naval assets deployed for NATO operations in Europe
TL;DR
The US plans to reduce air and naval assets for NATO operations in Europe, raising concerns about its commitment to the alliance. This includes relocating fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and naval vessels as part of a broader military drawdown.
Key points
- US to cut air and naval assets for NATO operations in Europe
- Reduction includes fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and naval vessels
- Part of a broader strategy to focus on the Middle East, Asia, and Americas
- European officials express concern over US commitment to NATO
- NATO officials frame cuts as beneficial for long-term sustainability
The United States plans to cut air and naval assets designated to NATO operations in Europe, in another hit to confidence concerning Washington’s commitment to the military alliance.
European officials on Friday backed up a report in The New York Times that the administration of President Donald Trump is set to sharply reduce the deployment of NATO-assigned fighter jets and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and relocate a submarine, aircraft carrier and several warships.
The plan comes as part of a broader US strategy to draw down its military presence in Europe as it focuses resources on the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
Major movements of troops along NATO’s eastern flank have been announced, introducing instability to cross-Atlantic security at time when Europe is increasingly focused on potential Russian military threats.
NATO officials said on Friday that the alliance is aware of some planned US reductions and sought to frame them positively, insisting the pullback will be good for long-term sustainability.
“This change strengthens NATO’s defence plans by reducing over-dependence on one ally and is a reflection of a broader shift happening within the alliance,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart told the Anadolu news agency.
“This is about putting NATO on a more sustainable footing for the decades to come,” Hart added.
Alternative defence plans
According to the NYT, the US intends to decrease the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets allocated to NATO from about 150 to 100, while dropping maritime surveillance aircraft from 26 to 15. Eight aerial refuelling aircraft are also expected to be withdrawn completely.
The report said one of two bomber task force groups previously assigned to European defence would be redeployed to another region, while a missile-capable submarine and an aircraft carrier would also be stationed elsewhere.
The expected cuts – which would affect NATO’s reconnaissance and long-range strike capacity – and further US disengagement have forced NATO to weigh alternative plans for Europe’s defence in the event of a Russian attack.
However, Washington’s erratic plans are making it more complicated for the alliance’s European member states to identify priorities.
“We need to focus on things that we can acquire quickly, that we can field quickly, and that we can scale rapidly and sustain over time, and that goes for long-range fires” as well as drones, said NATO’s supreme allied commander, US General Alex Grynkewich, at an airshow in Berlin on Thursday.
“Those sorts of things can help us mitigate the near-term risk should we find ourselves needing to deter and defend,” he said.
Q&A
What specific US military assets are being cut from NATO operations in Europe?
The US is set to sharply reduce the deployment of NATO-assigned fighter jets, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and relocate a submarine, aircraft carrier, and several warships.
Why is the US reducing its military presence in Europe?
The reduction is part of a broader US strategy to focus resources on the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, drawing down its military presence in Europe.
How are European officials responding to the US military cuts?
European officials have backed reports of the planned cuts, with NATO officials framing the pullback positively, suggesting it will enhance long-term sustainability.
