The United States is planning significant reductions to air and naval assets assigned to NATO operations in Europe, prompting the alliance to assess alternative defense arrangements amid concerns about future security commitments.
The planned changes, reported by The New York Times and confirmed by European officials, form part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce its military presence in Europe while directing resources toward the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
The move comes as NATO continues to evaluate its readiness against potential threats from Russia and prepares for a summit in Türkiye on July 7-8.
According to the reported plans, the United States intends to reduce the number of NATO-assigned F-16 and F-15E fighter jets from around 150 to 100.
Maritime surveillance aircraft allocated to alliance operations would fall from 26 to 15, while eight aerial refueling aircraft are expected to be withdrawn entirely.
Additional changes include the redeployment of one of two bomber task force groups assigned to European defense, along with the relocation of a missile-capable submarine, an aircraft carrier and several warships.
A NATO official also indicated that reductions would affect submarines, drones and maritime patrol aircraft, although U.S. space-based capabilities supporting targeting operations would remain available.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the shift reflects broader changes within the alliance and is intended to reduce dependence on a single member state while strengthening long-term sustainability.
The planned reductions have led NATO commanders to review alternative options for defending Europe in the event of a Russian attack.
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Alex Grynkewich said European allies and Canada should help fill capability gaps by providing aircraft and naval assets in the near term.
He also emphasized the need to rapidly acquire and deploy long-range strike systems and drones to address immediate security requirements.
Officials said details regarding the timing of the reductions and the transition of responsibilities remain under discussion.
Separately, NATO announced plans to reduce elements of its KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, describing the move as an optimization of force posture rather than a response to changing security conditions.
While European governments have expressed concerns about future defense capabilities, Grynkewich said current intelligence assessments suggest Russia is not seeking a conflict with NATO in the near term.