The New York Times reports, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12), that the Trump administration has informed European allies of steep cuts to American military assets dedicated to NATO. The updated breakdown shows F-16 and F-15 fighters reduced from 150 to 100; maritime patrol aircraft from 26 to 15; all eight aerial refueling tankers withdrawn; and the departure of a nuclear attack submarine, an aircraft carrier, naval vessels, and two bomber squadrons from U.S. European Command.
The New York Times report, relayed by N12's Asaf Rozentzweig at 08:34 Jerusalem time, provides a more detailed breakdown of planned U.S. force reductions in Europe than earlier reports.
As The Zioneer reported at 08:17 and 08:18 Jerusalem, the Trump administration informed European allies of a massive cut to American military assets assigned to NATO operations. The updated figures — sourced anonymously to the NYT — specify: fighter jets (F-16 and F-15) reduced from 150 to 100; maritime patrol aircraft from 26 to 15; all eight aerial refueling tankers stationed in Europe withdrawn; plus the departure of a nuclear attack submarine, an aircraft carrier, unspecified naval vessels, and two bomber squadrons from U.S. European Command.
The cuts would severely degrade NATO's long-range strike and intelligence-gathering capabilities, according to the report. The White House has not commented directly. The reductions remain a stated intention; implementation timelines and final scope have not been confirmed.
4 developments
- DevelopingUS plans to send additional F-16, F-35 jets and tankers to Middle East, CNN reports
- DevelopingNATO chief says US troop reduction from Europe takes effect
- DevelopingNATO announces plans to replace AWACS fleet with Saab GlobalEye, acquire new transport aircraft
- ConfirmedUS plans to deploy roughly 100 aerial refueling aircraft to Israel, security source says
Source and signal
- Open-source intake