US planning to slash warships and fighter jets available to Nato in crisis

The United States is planning to cut crucial military contributions available to Europe should members of the Nato alliance be called to action.The move would see fighter jets, warships, and strategic bombers becoming less readily available when needed. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly briefed top officials at the Nato headquarters last week, according to German outlet Der Spiegel.The framework would see Washington cutting its commitments to the Nato Force Model, which sets out how national forces are made available to alliance members in times of crisis or conflict. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say US Envoy Alexander Velez-Green seemingly said during the behind-closed-doors meeting the US would be cutting fighter jet commitments by a third, while the US Navy will be making fewer destroyers available.He also added the US would no longer provide any submarines to Europe. The changes mean that Europe would have to provide its own reconnaissance drones. Refuelling aircraft, which are crucial to long-range missions, are also at risk under the new plans. European intelligence agencies have warned that a large-scale attack on Nato allies could be seen in just a few years.Nato chief Mark Rutte said in December that allies “must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured.”Russia has repeatedly denied intelligence reports regarding its intentions as hysteria.A spokesman for Nato told Der Spiegel that allies had an “over-reliance” on the US, and that Europe and Canada will be investing more in defence and military responsibilities to reorganise. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Donald Trump's daughter 'targeted for assassination by IRGC-trained terrorist'Nato scrambles fighter jets as Russia launches devastating wave of strikes on KyivNato ally issues emergency alert and forces children into bunkers as Russian drone sparks panicWhen asked on Friday, Mr Rutte declined to give details on the reports.He said that the US contributions to Nato’s Force Model were being discussed, with the US “cannot be everywhere at the same timeHe continued: “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.“We know that the US has to think: if you have multiple threats, how can we make sure that all the capabilities and all the key enablers are everywhere where we need them.”Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter