Europe is preparing for a sharp reduction in military resources that the US could send to assist the continent in the event of war or crisis, particularly certain types of equipment that Europeans are unable to replace.
This is reported by Bloomberg.
Over the past few weeks, at meetings of NATO’s political and military staff, the US has unveiled plans to significantly reduce its contribution to the Alliance’s force structure. This model determines which US equipment and troops stationed outside Europe would be deployed to the continent if necessary.
According to a senior Western military official, US plans include a 30% reduction in strategic bombers — which European countries do not possess — a reduction of 75% to 100% in reconnaissance and strike drones, approximately 50% of naval vessels, and one-third of fighter jets.
Europeans are currently considering how the continent could wage war without US. support. This topic was discussed at a meeting of defense ministers from the E5 countries (Poland, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom) on Friday, June 12. During the meeting, the main focus was on how to achieve relevant military objectives using existing weapons and equipment.
No specific timeline for the cuts has been announced, but they are expected to take place in the near future.
Donald Trump’s year and a half in the White House has not gone unnoticed by NATO.
The Trump administration’s intentions to review Washington’s commitments to the Alliance by reducing the amount of equipment allocated and the size of its forces, fears of a possible US withdrawal, statements by White House officials that Europe must assume greater responsibility, and Europeans’ doubts about the effectiveness of Article 5 of the Washington Treaty — all of this is intensifying a sense of instability within NATO.
As a result, doubts are growing about the Alliance’s ability to guarantee the defense of its members, which is contributing to the deepening crisis within this defense alliance.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, NATO member states intend to grant the Alliance’s Supreme Allied Commander greater freedom of action regarding the shooting down of drones ahead of the leaders’ summit, which will take place next month in Ankara.
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