politics
NATO Reduces Rapid-Response Air Wing by One-Third as U.S. Cuts Share
The United States told European allies it will sharply reduce military assets committed to NATO crisis response, including fighter jets, bombers, warships and drones. The changes were outlined last week in a confidential briefing at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
May 26, 9:55 AM·1m read2 sources
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The United States has informed European allies that it plans to reduce the military assets it makes available for NATO crisis operations, according to a briefing reported by Der Spiegel. U.S. fighter-jet support would fall by one-third, bomber availability would be halved, and fewer naval assets would be committed, with submarines no longer provided.
Europe would also take on more responsibility for reconnaissance drones.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, presented the plans during a confidential meeting last week at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. European officials were reported to have been taken aback by the scale of the planned drawdown.
Scope of Reductions The U.S.
Armed Forces plans to commit fewer deployable drones, fighter jets, aerial refueling aircraft, strategic bombers, warships and other naval assets to NATO’s pool of readily available forces. U.S. fighter-aircraft contribution to forces in Europe. >"The United States has informed European allies it plans to cut its military contributions to NATO, urging them to move quickly to close the gap.
