Trump Plans to Reduce Number of American Fighters in Europe

The administration of Donald Trump is considering the possibility of reducing some of the American military forces involved in NATO structures in Europe. According to The New York Times, citing military documents and sources familiar with the plans, some aircraft and ships may be redeployed to other regions of the world, NOS reports.

According to the publication, Washington has already briefed European allies on preliminary plans. The documents suggest that the number of American F-15 and F-16 fighters that could be operationally deployed by NATO in the event of a crisis is expected to be reduced from approximately 150 to 100 units.

In addition, eleven maritime reconnaissance aircraft and eight U.S. Air Force air tankers are planned to be withdrawn from Europe.

The publication also states that an aircraft carrier, a submarine capable of long-range missile strikes, accompanying combat ships, and some strategic bombers may be redeployed outside the European region.

If these plans are implemented, NATO's capabilities for conducting long-range strike operations and reconnaissance from European territory could be significantly reduced.

There has been no official response from NATO regarding the information about potential changes. Observers believe that the initiative aligns with Donald Trump's long-standing demand for European allies to increase their defense and security spending.

Since the end of World War II, the U.S. has stationed tens of thousands of military personnel in European countries for decades. Earlier, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw about five thousand American troops from Germany.

A possible reduction of the American military presence in Europe could become one of the most noticeable changes in NATO's security system in recent years. At the same time, European countries will likely have to actively enhance their own defense capabilities to compensate for the reduced U.S. involvement.