27.05.2026 The US plans to significantly reduce the military forces and equipment it commits to NATO in Europe, increasing pressure on European allies to fill the gaps themselves.
Proposed reductions include fighter jets, strategic bombers, warships, submarines, drones, and aerial refueling aircraft.
Washington still intends to maintain nuclear deterrence in Europe, but wants Europeans to handle most conventional defense responsibilities. (Image above: Mark Rutte, NATO SecGen)

The US plans to significantly reduce the military forces and equipment it commits to NATO in Europe, increasing pressure on European allies to fill the gaps themselves.

Proposed reductions include fighter jets, strategic bombers, warships, submarines, drones, and aerial… pic.twitter.com/0qHaAneG5h

— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 26, 2026

Washington told the European allies it will gradually scale down the number of strategic bombers, fighter jets, drones, submarines and warships dedicated to NATO as it continues pressing Europe to take more responsibilites for its own defense.

The announcement was made in a closed-door meeting of NATO policy directors on Friday, May 22, by Pentagon adviser Alexander Velez-Green, according to the diplomats who spoke to press on condition of anonimity.

The reductions reflect a long-running effort by U.S. President Trump to reduce the U.S. participation in an alliance he has repeatedly criticized as a burden. It also points to the administration’s military pivot toward other regions, like the Indo-Pacific.