The U.S. Plans to Sharply Reduce Its Military Contribution to NATO—Fighter Jets, Bombers, Ships and Submarines

According to the publication, Pentagon representatives informed senior NATO officials of Washington’s plans late last week. The reductions would affect U.S. contributions of fighter jets, strategic bombers, warships, submarines, drones, and aerial refueling aircraft assigned to alliance missions.

Spiegel writes that Alexander Velez-Green, an adviser to the Pentagon chief, presented NATO political directors with specific parameters for a future redistribution of forces. European allies had expected limited and gradual adjustments, but the U.S. proposals proved far more extensive.

According to the report, Washington is considering cutting its fighter jet contribution by roughly one-third, while also reducing the number of strategic bombers allocated for NATO operations.

At the same time, the United States indicated that it would maintain its role in Europe’s nuclear deterrence system, while primary responsibility for conventional forces and continental defense should shift to European countries.

According to the publication, the U.S. Navy also intends to reduce the number of destroyers assigned to NATO, while submarines are no longer expected to be made available for alliance missions. In addition, European states are being asked to provide their own reconnaissance drones.

Washington hopes to present the new burden-sharing model at the NATO summit in Ankara in July.

Commenting on the report, a spokesperson for NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Spiegel that the alliance had indeed been in a state of “excessive dependence” on the United States in the past. However, Europe and Canada are now increasing defense spending, allowing part of the responsibility within NATO to be redistributed.