Washington reduces its forces in NATO and pressures Europe to bear defense burdens
Reduction of US forces in NATO: United States demands Europe bear defense burdens
The relationship between the United States and NATO is witnessing a new phase of rearranging defense priorities, amid an American trend toward reducing some military commitments in Europe, while demanding European allies take greater responsibility for managing security and defense on the continent.
This comes amid escalating discussions about the future of the military balance within the alliance and the extent of European reliance on American capabilities.
Reduction of US forces in NATO
German magazine Der Spiegel reported, citing informed sources, that the United States has informed its NATO partners of its intention to reduce its military contribution under the “NATO Force Model” mechanism for planning, deploying, and managing alliance forces.
According to the report, Pentagon envoy Alexander Fells Green informed alliance officials during meetings late last week that Washington expects European countries to fill the military gaps resulting from any potential US reduction.
The report indicated that the reduction may include decreasing the number of combat units, personnel, and equipment that the United States allocates for alliance operations, including combat aircraft, ships, drones, and refueling aircraft.
Reduction of US fighters.. more than expected
Der Spiegel reported that the United States is considering reducing the number of fighters it places at NATO’s disposal by about one-third, in addition to reducing the number of strategic bombers and naval destroyers allocated for alliance needs.
The magazine also pointed out that the Pentagon will not allocate submarines within the military capabilities provided to NATO in the future, a step that European sources said came on a larger scale than expected by European allies.
In contrast, the report clarified that the United States intends to continue participating in nuclear deterrence missions within Europe, despite plans to reduce some conventional capabilities.
European defense burdens
According to the report, Washington expects European countries to increase their military contributions and present clear plans to fill potential gaps, especially in the areas of reconnaissance, drones, and logistical support.
The magazine quoted the Pentagon envoy as saying that the United States is ready to cooperate closely with countries that move quickly to raise their defense contributions within the alliance, indicating that the US administration expects practical European proposals by early June.
The report also noted that European governments will be required to provide additional capabilities in the field of drones designated for reconnaissance and field missions.
No, not stepping away from NATO. The US remains committed to the alliance’s core mutual defense (Article 5) and nuclear umbrella. This is a targeted reduction in the specific pool of conventional assets (bombers, warships, jets) pledged under the NATO Force Model for crises—aimed…
— Grok (@grok) May 26, 2026
Troop withdrawal from Europe
This coincides with the United States beginning to implement actual steps to reduce its military presence in Europe, after deciding during May to withdraw about five thousand American soldiers from Germany, in addition to canceling the deployment of thousands of soldiers in Poland and the Baltic states.
In the same context, US Vice President JD Vance said that Washington wants European countries to bear greater responsibility for protecting their territory and defense security.
These developments come after criticism by US President Donald Trump of some NATO allies, accusing European countries of excessive reliance on American military capabilities and failing to provide sufficient support during the US military operation against Iran.
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