WASHINGTON: The United States is planning to scale back the number of aircraft and naval assets allocated to Nato operations in Europe, according to a New York Times report citing two senior European officials.
The proposed changes are expected to reduce Natoâs capacity for long-range strike missions and surveillance operations, the report said.
Under the reported plan, the US would decrease the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets available for European missions from around 150 to 100. Maritime reconnaissance aircraft would be cut from 26 to 15, while all eight aerial refuelling tanker aircraft currently assigned to support operations in Europe would be withdrawn.
The report also stated that Washington intends to redeploy a missile-capable submarine, an aircraft carrier, several accompanying warships, and numerous aircraft attached to carrier strike groups. In addition, one of the two bomber groups currently designated for Europeâs defence could be reassigned elsewhere.
âHistorically there has been an over-reliance on US forces and capabilities,â Nato spokesperson Allison Hart said, adding that as Europe and Canada invest more in defence and develop greater capabilities, the balance of responsibility can shift.
âThis would strengthen Natoâs defence by reducing reliance on a single ally and reflect a broader change happening within the alliance,â Hart said in an emailed statement.
The US Department of Defence did not immediately comment on the report.
Last week, US European Command announced that it would ârightsizeâ its contributions to the Nato Force Model, though it did not provide any details regarding the scope of those adjustments.
