The United States is preparing to reduce some of its most important military commitments to Europe under new NATO force-planning proposals, raising fresh concerns about the continent’s long-term security dependence on Washington.
According to reports from Germany, senior US defence officials privately briefed Nato allies last week on plans that would significantly reduce the availability of American military assets in the event of a major alliance mobilisation.
The proposed changes would reportedly affect the Nato Force Model — the framework governing how member states provide troops and capabilities during crises or conflict.
Under the plans, the US would cut by roughly a third the number of fighter jets committed to Nato operations, while also reducing the number of naval destroyers made available to the alliance.
Most strikingly, Washington is said to be planning to withdraw submarine commitments to European defence arrangements entirely.
The proposals were reportedly outlined during closed-door discussions at Nato headquarters by Alexander Velez-Green, a senior US envoy.
European allies would also be expected to assume greater responsibility for reconnaissance drones, aerial refuelling aircraft and other strategic support systems traditionally supplied by the United States.
Such capabilities are regarded as essential for sustaining long-range air operations and coordinating high-intensity warfare.
The reported changes come amid mounting concern among European intelligence agencies over Russia’s military ambitions and warnings that NATO could face a major security challenge within the coming years.
Mark Rutte previously warned that alliance members must prepare for conflict “on the scale our grandparents or great-grandparents endured”, as governments across Europe accelerate defence spending programmes.
Russia has repeatedly dismissed Western intelligence assessments suggesting Moscow could pose a broader threat to Nato territory, accusing Western governments of fuelling unnecessary alarm.
A Nato spokesman acknowledged to German media that alliance members have become overly reliant on American military power and said European states, along with Canada, would need to take on greater responsibilities.
When questioned publicly about the reports, Rutte declined to comment on specific operational details but confirmed discussions were ongoing regarding the US role within NATO’s force structure.
“The US cannot be everywhere at the same time,” he said.
“Of course, this is highly classified because we don’t want to make anyone any wiser, but this is a process in place. This is nothing new.”
He added that Washington was reassessing how best to allocate military resources amid multiple global threats.
The reports come as Donald Trump has renewed criticism of Nato allies, accusing the alliance of failing to provide meaningful support during recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking earlier this week, Trump claimed NATO had offered assistance only after the immediate crisis had largely subsided.
“Thank you very much, NATO,” he said. “I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don’t want your help anymore because they were absolutely useless when we needed them.”
The prospect of reduced American military support is likely to intensify pressure on European governments to rapidly expand defence capabilities, particularly in areas where the US has historically maintained overwhelming strategic dominance.
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