Trump pushes for Europe to pay more as US plans major NATO force reduction: report
Source: The Independent
Friday 12 June 2026 05:31 EDT
The Trump administration is reportedly planning a significant reduction in the aircraft and warships it allocates to NATO operations in Europe, according to a New York Times report citing two senior European officials. This decision could severely curtail NATO's capacity for long-range strikes and surveillance.
The proposed cuts include reducing the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets from approximately 150 to 100, scaling back maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and withdrawing all eight aerial refueling tanker jets previously available to Europe.
Further reductions involve redeploying a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier, several warships, and scores of jets supporting carrier missions. One of the two bomber groups assigned to European defense may also be reallocated.
Reuters was unable to immediately verify the report, and neither NATO nor the U.S. Department of Defense responded to requests for comment.
Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-nato-europe-aircraft-reduction-b2994570.html
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