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US plans to cut bombers, warships for Nato in crisis

The United States is expected to inform NATO allies of significant reductions in its military contributions available for European defense in a crisis, including cuts to fighter jets, warships, and submarines. The move, reported by multiple outlets, reflects Washington's push for Europe to assume primary responsibility for its own security.

By Tertius News AI Desk 3 outlets · 5 articles Version 1 Coverage May 20–28, 2026 Published Aug 14

Lead

The United States is preparing to significantly reduce the military forces it would make available to NATO allies in a major crisis, according to multiple reports. The planned reductions, which would affect fighter jets, warships, and submarines, are part of a broader push by the Trump administration for European countries to take on greater responsibility for the continent's defense.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Dawn, the Jerusalem Post, and TASS — English, drawing on German outlet Spiegel and other sources, all describe a planned contraction of US commitments under the NATO Force Model — the framework through which alliance members pledge forces for potential activation in a conflict. The accounts differ in detail but converge on the core point: the US intends to shrink the pool of capabilities it would provide in a crisis.

Dawn reported that the US intends to significantly reduce military contributions available to assist European allies, including fighter jets, warships, and mid-air refueling aircraft. The Jerusalem Post, citing a Reuters report, said the Trump administration planned to tell NATO allies that it would shrink the pool of military capabilities available to the alliance's European nations in a major crisis. TASS — English, citing Spiegel and Fox News, reported that the Pentagon would reduce the number of troops and strategic bombers it provides to NATO, with one account mentioning a reduction in military assistance "by roughly one-third to one half."

Key Claims

The most detailed figures come from Spiegel, as cited by Dawn and TASS — English. According to these reports, US envoy Alexander Velez-Green briefed NATO officials at a meeting in Brussels, informing them that the number of US fighter jets allocated to NATO would fall by about a third. The US also aims to provide only half the previous number of strategic bombers, and the Navy would make fewer destroyers available to the alliance. Several reports state that the US no longer intends to provide any submarines for NATO missions.

The reductions are expected to extend to reconnaissance drones and refueling aircraft, with European countries expected to fill the gaps. TASS — English reported that Washington plans to scale back its commitments under the NATO Force Model and expects European members to provide their own reconnaissance drones. The US also plans to significantly scale back the provision of armed drones, according to Dawn.

Three sources familiar with the matter told the Jerusalem Post that the Pentagon had decided to significantly scale down its commitment, though several details — such as the timeline for shifting crisis-mode responsibilities to European allies — remained unclear.

The reports also noted that the US has made clear it intends to continue participating in nuclear deterrence efforts in Europe, even as it reduces its conventional contributions.

US President Donald Trump has made clear he expects European countries to take over primary responsibility for the continent's security, according to a report in the Jerusalem Post. This move is seen as a concrete implementation of that policy.

One additional claim, carried by Dawn, suggests that NATO will strengthen the defense of its eastern flank with a new structure. This detail appeared in the context of the alliance's broader response to the crisis.

Perspectives

The Trump administration has consistently argued that European allies need to increase their defense spending and take on a larger share of the security burden. Pentagon Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell told Fox News, as reported by TASS — English, that the United States is actively encouraging allies to take on more responsibility for ensuring Europe's defense capability.

European officials, according to Spiegel as cited by TASS — English, did not expect such a significant reduction in the US military contribution. The reports indicate that Washington expects proposals from European countries in early June, suggesting ongoing negotiations over the future division of labor within the alliance.