Foreign Media: The U.S. Plans to Significantly Reduce Military Forces Available for NATO in Crisis, Strategic Bombers May Be Cut by Half

[Global Network Report by Reporter Jiang Ailing] According to reports from the British "Independent" and other foreign media on the 26th local time, the United States plans to significantly reduce the military forces of the U.S. military available for NATO to call upon during crises, including fighter jets, destroyers, and strategic bombers.

Germany's "Der Spiegel" reported that a special envoy from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin informed senior officials at NATO headquarters late last week that the U.S. intends to reduce its commitments to the so-called "NATO Force Model." According to reports, this framework outlines how national militaries provide forces to NATO, helping to ensure a rapid response in the event of a crisis or conflict.

Reports indicate that the U.S. envoy stated in a closed-door meeting that the number of U.S. fighter jets available will be reduced by one-third, and no submarines will be provided to NATO; the number of destroyers available for U.S. Navy deployment will also decrease. Additionally, based on these changes, Europe will need to provide its own unmanned reconnaissance aircraft in the future, and the scale of armed drones and aerial refueling aircraft provided by the U.S. will also be reduced.

Previously, three sources familiar with the latest directives told Reuters that the U.S. government planned to inform NATO last week about the reduction of military force reserves available for the alliance during crises. Reports indicate that the U.S. aims to provide only half the number of strategic bombers compared to previous levels. "Der Spiegel" reported that the U.S. is expected to provide more details at a troop formation meeting in early June.

A NATO spokesperson told "Der Spiegel" that NATO has been "overly reliant" on the U.S. for force planning, and as Europe and Canada increase their defense investments, military responsibilities within the alliance can be reorganized. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declined to provide details on the reported plans for U.S. military contribution reductions last Friday. He stated that the U.S. contribution to the NATO Force Model is under discussion, as the U.S. "cannot be everywhere at once," and he added that no further details can be disclosed at this time.