EditU.S. to significantly reduce fighter jets and other assets committed to NATO in Europe
The drawdown is set to take effect soon, sooner than many European allies had anticipated
The United States is planning a major drawdown of military assets it provides to NATO operations in Europe, including pulling roughly one-third of its fighter jets, according to a document reviewed by The New York Times and accounts from senior European officials.
The plan, communicated to allies in early June, would accelerate the Trump administration’s efforts to scale back America’s long-standing military commitment to the alliance, which has protected European allies for eight decades since its founding after World War II.
Key elements of the planned reductions include:
- Cutting the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets available from roughly 150 to 100.
- Reducing maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15.
- Eliminating all eight aerial refuelling tanker jets previously committed to Europe.
- Reallocating a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier, associated warships, and scores of jets tied to carrier operations.
- Shifting one of two groups of bombers previously assigned for Europe’s defence.
These changes would limit NATO’s capabilities for long-range strikes, surveillance, and monitoring threats such as Russian submarine activity. The drawdown is set to take effect soon, sooner than many European allies had anticipated.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the specific figures but referred to a recent statement from U.S. European Command about “rightsizing” its force contributions to NATO.
European officials briefed on the matter expressed concern, noting that while European nations possess some similar capabilities, U.S.-wielded assets like long-range missiles serve as a stronger deterrent against Russia. The moves come amid ongoing debates over burden-sharing within the alliance.
Details of the plan were first reported in part by the German outlet Die Welt. This latest development provides the clearest indication yet of the administration’s intentions regarding NATO commitments.
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EU leaders will discuss the planned U.S. drawdown and its consequences for European security at the upcoming European Council summit in Brussels on 18-19 June.
The full picture of the U.S. drawdown and its implications for NATO’s defense posture will hopefully become clearer following the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara on 7-8 July.
With The New York Times
Caption: Plane spotters outside the RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, Britain, 8 April 2026. The US and Iran agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire with the condition of temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, announced by US President Donald Trump. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
Updated: June 12, 2026 - 12:47
