The United States announced a sweeping reduction of forces it makes available to NATO in Europe, marking the most extensive pull‑back since the alliance’s founding. A written briefing shared with European officials shows the Trump administration will cut fighter‑jet contributions from roughly 150 to 100 F‑16 and F‑15E aircraft and eliminate eight aerial‑refueling tankers. The move curtails NATO’s long‑range strike and surveillance options.

In addition to aircraft, the United States will shrink maritime reconnaissance from 26 to 15 platforms, reassign a missile‑launching submarine, an aircraft carrier and several warships, and pull one of two bomber groups previously tasked with European defense. Pentagon officials declined to comment on timing, but senior staff indicated the drawdown could begin within weeks, ahead of European rearmament plans.

European allies warn the U.S. drawdown threatens deterrence against Russia, especially after recent drone attacks in Romania and increased incursions near NATO airspace. While U.S. troops remain the largest contingent on the continent, the cuts pressure Europe to accelerate its own defense spending and procurement. The shift also reflects Washington’s pivot toward the Indo‑Pacific, reshaping NATO’s burden‑sharing calculus.