US to shrink NATO assets in Europe, cutting jets, tankers and ships
The United States plans a major reduction of its military assets available for NATO operations in Europe, including cutting F-16/F-15E numbers from about 150 to 100, trimming maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and removing all eight aerial refueling tankers, while redeploying a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier along with several ships and jets. One bomber group may also be reallocated. The move, described as “right-sizing” contributions, reflects Europe’s growing defense capabilities and a shift toward shared responsibility within NATO.
