US weighs significant cut to fighter jet presence in Europe for NATO operations: report

The United States has officially taken a crucial step to reduce the aircraft and warships available for NATO operations in Europe.

This decision marks a major move to restrict NATO’s ability to launch distant attacks and conduct surveillance, according to details revealed in the report. 

The report further clarified that the US plan deliberately limits the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets, reducing them from 150 to 100.

This further implies reducing maritime reconnaissance planes from 26 to 15 and removing all aerial refueling tanker jets available to Europe.

According to the New York Times, the recent development aims to redeploy a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier, along with various warships and scores of jets that make up the carrier’s air wing missions.

In this connection, the US Eastern Command stated in a statement that it would "rightsize” its major contributions to the NATO Force Model, without disclosing further details.

As reported by Reuters earlier in May, the US aims to remove military capabilities it would make available to its allies in the wake of worldwide emergencies.

Trump’s administration has repeatedly warned European governments against neglecting defenses; also accusing them of relying too heavily on US protection. 

It is worth note that the administration is urging both Europe and Asia to boost defense spending to 3.5% of their GDP.