Trump Pushes For Europe To Pay More As Us Plans Major Nato Force Reduction: Report

The Trump administration is reportedly readying a important simplification successful nan craft and warships it allocates to NATO operations successful Europe, according to a New York Times study citing 2 elder European officials.

This determination could severely curtail NATO's capacity for long-range strikes and surveillance.

The projected cuts see reducing nan number of F-16 and F-15E combatant jets from astir 150 to 100, scaling backmost maritime reconnaissance craft from 26 to 15, and withdrawing each 8 aerial refueling tanker jets antecedently disposable to Europe.

Further reductions impact redeploying a missile-launching submarine, an craft carrier, respective warships, and scores of jets supporting bearer missions.

One of nan 2 bomber groups assigned to European defense whitethorn besides beryllium reallocated.

Reuters was incapable to instantly verify nan report, and neither NATO nor nan U.S. Department of Defense responded to requests for comment.

Last week, nan U.S. Eastern Command stated it would "rightsize" its contributions to nan NATO Force Model, though without providing specifics.

This move aligns pinch a Reuters study successful May indicating that nan U.S. plans to trim nan subject capabilities it offers to friends during awesome crises.

Donald Trump's management has often accused European governments of underinvesting successful their militaries and over-relying connected U.S. protection, urging some European and Asian friends to boost defense spending to 3.5% of GDP.