US Plans Significant Reduction in NATO Crisis Response Forces
The Trump administration intends to inform NATO allies of a major reduction in U.S. conventional forces available for the alliance’s crisis response, including cuts to strategic bombers, fighter jets, submarines, and destroyers. The decision, to be announced at a Brussels defense policy chiefs meeting, reflects President Trump’s policy that Europe should take primary responsibility for its own conventional defense. While the U.S. will maintain its nuclear deterrent, the move intensifies European concerns amid recent troop withdrawals and heightened transatlantic tensions over Greenland and defense spending.
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Hegseth announces review of US troops in Europe, scorns some allies
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new review of American troop deployments in Europe, threatening to withhold NATO dues from allies not meeting defense spending commitments. Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth said the six-month review aims to push Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defense. The U.S. has already reduced its contributions to NATO's crisis forces, cutting fighter jets by a third and drones by half. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed the reductions are immediate. Allies including Belgium and Germany are scrambling to fill capability gaps, with Germany warning of dangerous gaps in areas like deep strike missiles. The review comes as leaders prepare for a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
Defense NewsHegseth announces review of US troops in Europe, scorns some allies
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American troop deployments in Europe at a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, threatening to withhold U.S. dues to NATO if allies do not meet defense spending commitments. He stressed the goal is for Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defense. Hegseth also criticized allies who denied the U.S. basing and overflight rights during the war with Iran. The U.S. has already immediately reduced its contributions to NATO's crisis forces, including cutting F-15 fighter jets by a third and MQ-9 Reaper drones by half. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed the reductions are immediate. Allies like Belgium offered to increase contributions, while Germany warned of dangerous capability gaps, particularly in deep strike missiles, and called for more time to compensate. The moves aim to end 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts.
Military TimesNATO Chief Rutte Says US Not Abandoning Allies Despite Cutting Forces to Alliance
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on June 17, 2026, that the United States is not 'pulling away' from its allies by reducing the forces it makes available to NATO. US and German media reported the cuts include a third of 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, along with refuelling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, drones, a cruise-missile submarine, and one of two aircraft carrier groups. Rutte said the US expects European countries to take 'primary responsibility' for their own conventional defence, while the US nuclear deterrent remains solid. European diplomats expressed confidence that Europe could replace the capabilities if given enough time. The announcement comes ahead of a NATO summit with US President Donald Trump in Turkey next month, amid concerns over the US-Iran war and European defence spending commitments.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.U.S. plans to slash fighter jets, warships to NATO in Europe: report
According to a New York Times report, the United States plans to significantly reduce its military contributions to NATO in Europe, including cutting fighter jets by one third, removing all eight aerial refuelling tankers, and reducing maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Other assets to be reallocated include a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier, bomber aircraft, and several warships. The reported cutbacks come amid frustration from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called NATO a 'paper tiger' and its members 'cowards' for not joining the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The U.S. European Command stated it would reassess contributions to ensure Europe takes primary responsibility for its own conventional defence. U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich accused Europe of 'an unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces. The report follows Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which spurred European nations to bolster their own defence capacities.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.US Reduces Forces Committed to NATO, Urges Allies to Boost Air and Naval Capabilities
The United States is reducing the number of forces it commits to NATO under the NATO Force Model, as announced by U.S. European Command on June 3. The cuts include fewer combat aircraft, air-to-air refueling assets, and Navy vessels. EUCOM commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich stated that the alliance has had an 'unhealthy codependence' on U.S. forces and that the change is necessary to address potential simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters. The reductions follow the cancellation of an Army armored brigade deployment to Poland and a previous brigade removal from Romania. U.S. lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that the cuts could undermine deterrence against Russia. The Pentagon is reallocating resources to the Pacific and Western hemisphere as part of the Trump administration's 'NATO 3.0' strategy. European allies and Canada are being urged to fill the gap, particularly with manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels. NATO defense ministers are set to meet later in June ahead of the July summit in Ankara.
Air & Space Forces MagazineUS Reduces Forces Committed to NATO, Tells Allies to Step Up Air and Naval Power
The United States is reducing the number of forces it is prepared to commit to NATO in a crisis, according to a June 3 announcement by U.S. European Command. The changes include decreases in combat aircraft, air-to-air refueling planes, and Navy vessels under the NATO Force Model. EUCOM commander Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich stated that the alliance has had an 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces and that the shift is necessary due to the potential for simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters. The move follows the Pentagon's cancellation of an Army armored combat brigade deployment to Poland and the removal of a brigade from Romania. U.S. lawmakers, including Republican leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, expressed concern that the reductions could undermine deterrence against Russia. The Pentagon is reallocating resources to the Pacific to deter China and to the Western hemisphere. Allies were informed of the changes in late May, and NATO defense ministers are set to meet later this month ahead of the July NATO summit in Ankara.
Air & Space Forces MagazineUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally told European NATO allies and Canada to rapidly increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the U.S. is reducing its forces 'sourced' to the NATO Force Model in Europe to refocus on potential conflicts in multiple theaters. This follows a decision by the Trump administration to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO in a crisis. According to a Spiegel report, the U.S. will cut its available fighter jets by a third, reduce destroyer numbers, and provide no submarines. A NATO spokesman said the requested areas are where allies already have sufficient capabilities, so no defense gaps are expected. The shift places primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defense on European members and Canada, a change long demanded by President Trump.
Defense NewsUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has told European NATO allies and Canada to rapidly increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the U.S. is reducing its forces assigned to the NATO Force Model, particularly in air and naval domains, as Washington shifts focus to potential multi-theater conflicts. The move follows the Trump administration's decision to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO in a crisis. A NATO spokesperson said no defense gaps are expected as allies already have sufficient capabilities that need to be assigned. According to a Spiegel report, the U.S. plans to cut its available fighter jets by a third, reduce destroyer contributions, and provide no submarines, while Europe will need to supply its own reconnaissance drones.
C4ISRNetUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally requested that European NATO allies and Canada increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. This follows a decision by the Trump administration to reduce the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO in a crisis, as part of a broader shift toward focusing on potential simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that there has been an 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces and that this must change. According to a Spiegel report, the number of U.S. fighter jets available to NATO is set to fall by a third, and the U.S. will also reduce the availability of destroyers and submarines. A NATO spokesman said allies already have or will soon have sufficient capabilities to fill the gaps, and that nations simply need to assign existing capabilities to NATO. The changes are expected to be a key topic at the NATO summit in Ankara in July.
Military TimesUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally told European NATO allies and Canada to increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. This follows a decision by the Trump administration to reduce the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO under the NATO Force Model, a crisis-response framework. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the U.S. will reduce its sourced forces in Europe and refocus them elsewhere, citing the need to address 'unhealthy co-dependence' and the potential for simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters. According to a Spiegel report, the U.S. will cut its available fighter jets by a third and reduce destroyer and submarine contributions. A NATO spokesperson said no defense gaps are expected as allies already have or will soon have sufficient capabilities, needing only to assign them to NATO. The changes will be a key topic at the NATO summit in Ankara in July.
C4ISRNetUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally told European NATO allies and Canada to increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the U.S. is reducing its forces 'sourced' to the NATO Force Model in Europe to refocus on other theaters, ending what he called an 'unhealthy co-dependence' on American forces. The Trump administration's decision follows repeated criticism of NATO and demands that Europe take primary responsibility for conventional defense. According to a Spiegel report, U.S. fighter jets available to NATO will drop by a third, and the U.S. will provide fewer destroyers and no submarines to the crisis pool. A NATO spokesperson said no defense gaps are expected as allies already have or will soon have sufficient capabilities, needing only to assign them to NATO. The changes will be discussed at a NATO summit in Ankara in July.
Military TimesUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally told European NATO allies and Canada to increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. This follows a decision by the Trump administration to reduce the pool of US military capabilities available to NATO under the NATO Force Model, a crisis-response framework. US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the US is stepping back in these areas and expects allies to fill the gap, citing the need to prepare for potential multi-theater conflicts. A NATO spokesman said allies already have sufficient capabilities to cover the reductions, so no defense gaps are expected. According to a Spiegel report, the US plans to cut its available fighter jets by a third, reduce destroyer numbers, and provide no submarines, while also scaling back reconnaissance and armed drones. The changes will be a key topic at the NATO summit in Ankara in July.
C4ISRNetUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally told European NATO allies and Canada to rapidly increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the Trump administration is reducing the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO under the NATO Force Model, refocusing forces elsewhere due to the potential for simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters. Grynkewich described the current reliance on U.S. forces as an 'unhealthy co-dependence' that must end. A NATO spokesman, U.S. Army Col. Martin O'Donnell, said allies already have sufficient capabilities in these areas and simply need to assign them to NATO, predicting no defense gaps. A German media report indicated the U.S. will cut its available fighter jets by a third and will no longer provide submarines to the crisis pool. The shift comes amid ongoing strain within the alliance over U.S. commitment to European defense.
Defense NewsUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally called on European NATO allies and Canada to increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that the Trump administration is reducing the pool of U.S. capabilities available to NATO under the NATO Force Model, citing an 'unhealthy co-dependence' on American forces and the need to prepare for potential multi-theater conflicts. The U.S. has already informed allies of its decision to scale back contributions, including a reported one-third reduction in available fighter jets, fewer destroyers, and no submarines in the crisis pool. NATO officials expressed confidence that European allies and Canada can fill the gaps by assigning existing capabilities, though no specific timeline was given. The shift comes amid ongoing tensions within the alliance and concerns over potential U.S. withdrawal, with a NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara to address these changes.
Military TimesUS tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
The United States has formally told European NATO allies and Canada to rapidly increase their contributions of manned and unmanned aircraft and naval vessels to the alliance's defense plans. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander, stated that Washington is reducing its forces assigned to the NATO Force Model in Europe to refocus on potential conflicts in multiple theaters. This follows the Trump administration's decision to shrink the pool of U.S. capabilities available to NATO in a crisis. A NATO spokesperson said no defense gaps are expected as allies already have sufficient capabilities that need to be assigned. According to a German Spiegel report, the U.S. plans to cut its available fighter jets by a third, reduce destroyer availability, and provide no submarines, while also scaling back reconnaissance and armed drone provisions. The changes come amid unprecedented strain on the alliance, with European members concerned about a potential U.S. withdrawal.
Defense NewsTrump Administration Plans Major Reduction of US Military Presence in Europe
According to a report by Die Welt, the Trump administration intends to significantly reduce the US military footprint in Europe. The plan involves the gradual withdrawal of 54 fighter jets, several tanker aircraft, and numerous reconnaissance and combat drones. Additionally, cuts are planned for naval units and aircraft carriers. This move signals a major shift in US-NATO posture and European defense strategy, potentially altering the balance of security on the continent. The publication date is June 3, 2026.
Nachrichten - WELTTrump Administration Plans Drastic Cuts to NATO Military Resources in Retaliation for Iran Policy Dispute
The Trump administration is planning a significant reduction in US military resources committed to NATO, according to a report by Der Spiegel. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's envoy Alexander Velez-Green briefed NATO allies in Brussels on the plan, which includes cutting available fighter jets by a third, halving strategic bombers, withdrawing all submarines, and reducing destroyers and other assets. The US also intends to scale back its commitments to NATO's 2022 Force Model, which governs direct access to allied units for defense. European nations are expected to fill the gaps. The move is framed as retaliation for European refusal to support Trump's invasion of Iran and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had previously threatened to pull troops from Italy, Spain, and Germany, calling NATO allies 'cowards.' The Pentagon was reportedly not expecting the announcement. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that such a withdrawal could fracture NATO and damage US credibility.
The New RepublicTrump Administration Plans Major Cuts to NATO Military Contributions Over Iran War Dispute
The Trump administration is planning a drastic reduction in U.S. military provisions to NATO allies, according to a report by German outlet Der Spiegel. An envoy of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Alexander Velez-Green, briefed senior NATO officials in Brussels on the proposed cuts, which include reducing fighter jets by a third, halving strategic bombers, withdrawing all submarines, and cutting destroyers. The U.S. also intends to scale back commitments to NATO's Force Model, agreed upon in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. European countries are expected to fill the gaps. The move follows weeks of threats by President Trump after European allies refused to support his invasion of Iran and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has called NATO members 'cowards' and 'terrible' for not assisting. The Pentagon was reportedly stunned by the announcement, and former National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that exiting the alliance could devastate U.S. credibility and weaken European security.
The New RepublicTrump Administration Plans Major Cuts to NATO Military Contributions Over Iran War Dispute
The Trump administration is planning a drastic reduction in U.S. military provisions to NATO allies, according to a report by German outlet Der Spiegel. An envoy of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Alexander Velez-Green, briefed senior NATO officials in Brussels on the proposed cuts, which include reducing fighter jets by a third, halving strategic bombers, and withdrawing all submarines and many destroyers. The U.S. also intends to scale back commitments to NATO's 'Force Model' agreed in 2022. European countries are expected to fill the gaps. The move follows weeks of threats by President Trump after European allies refused to support his invasion of Iran and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has called NATO members 'cowards' and 'terrible' for not assisting. The Pentagon was reportedly not expecting the announcement. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that exiting NATO could devastate U.S. credibility and weaken European security.
The New RepublicUS Plans Significant Cuts to Military Assets Available to NATO in a Crisis
According to a report by German news outlet Spiegel, the United States intends to drastically reduce the military capabilities it makes available to NATO allies during a crisis. The plan, briefed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's envoy Alexander Velez-Green at NATO headquarters, includes cutting the number of strategic bombers by half, reducing fighter jets by a third, and decreasing the availability of warships and mid-air refueling aircraft. The U.S. Navy will also make fewer destroyers available and will no longer provide any submarines to the alliance. Additionally, the U.S. plans to scale back the provision of armed reconnaissance drones, forcing Europe to supply its own. The move comes amid unprecedented strain on the NATO alliance, with President Donald Trump criticizing European allies for insufficient defense spending and threatening to withdraw from the alliance. A NATO spokeswoman acknowledged an 'over-reliance' on the U.S. and suggested that increased European and Canadian defense investments could allow for a reorganization of responsibilities. Further details are expected at a force generation conference in early June.
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