The United States intends to substantially reduce the aircraft and warships it assigns to NATO missions in Europe, according to a New York Times report citing two senior European officials.

This move would restrict NATO's capacity to carry out extended-range attacks and perform surveillance duties, the report indicated.

The plan calls for trimming F-16 and F-15E fighter jets from roughly 150 down to 100, cutting maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and withdrawing all eight aerial refueling tankers previously supplied to the region.

The United States also plans to redeploy a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier, together with several warships and numerous jets that support carrier operations, while one of two bomber groups previously dedicated to Europe's defense may be reassigned elsewhere.

"Historically, there has been an over-reliance on US forces and capabilities," NATO spokesperson Allison Hart told Reuters, noting that greater European and Canadian defense investments allow responsibility to be shared more evenly.

Reducing dependence on one ally could bolster overall alliance strength

Such a shift would enhance NATO's resilience by lessening reliance on any single member and mirrors ongoing changes across the alliance, Hart stated in an emailed response.

The US Department of Defense offered no immediate comment on the matter.

The US European Command announced last week that it would "rightsize" its support for the NATO Force Model but gave no additional specifics.

Reuters reported in May that Washington intended to scale back the military assets it would provide allies during a major crisis.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has frequently criticized European governments for insufficient military spending and excessive dependence on American security guarantees, while pressing both European and Asian partners to raise defense outlays to 3.5 percent of GDP.