Nato: NATO said Friday that a planned reduction in US military assets assigned to operations in Europe would strengthen the Alliance over the long term by reducing dependence on a single ally and creating a more sustainable balance of responsibilities. Responding to Anadolu in a written statement, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that Washington plans to scale back some aircraft and naval assets allocated to NATO operations in Europe.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hart stated that NATO's defense plans outline the necessary forces and capabilities needed by the Alliance. The NATO Force Model serves as the overarching framework for making national forces available to NATO. She emphasized that the Alliance has historically relied heavily on US forces and capabilities. However, with European allies and Canada increasing their defense spending and developing additional capabilities, there is a potential shift in the balance of responsibilities.

Hart further explained that this change aims to bolster NATO's defense plans by reducing over-dependence on a single ally and aligns with a broader shift occurring within the Alliance. The objective is to place NATO on a more sustainable footing for the decades ahead. Her comments came in response to a report by The New York Times, which cited two senior European officials and revealed the US plans to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and warships assigned to NATO operations in Europe.

According to the report, the number of US F-16 and F-15E fighter jets allocated to NATO would be reduced from about 150 to 100, while maritime surveillance aircraft would be cut from 26 to 15. Additionally, eight aerial refueling aircraft are expected to be withdrawn completely. The report also mentioned that one of two bomber task force groups previously assigned to European defense would be redeployed to another region. Furthermore, a missile-capable submarine and an aircraft carrier would also be stationed elsewhere.