Der Spiegel Exclusive: US Secretly Notifies Allies of Sweeping Military Cuts — Jets Minus One-Third, Bombers Halved, Zero Submarines, Zero Drones

Der Spiegel published a bombshell exclusive on May 26, 2026: the US Pentagon secretly notified European NATO allies at a confidential Brussels meeting of sweeping reductions in American military contributions to the alliance — far beyond the already-confirmed 10,200+ troop cuts. Pentagon adviser Alexander Velez-Green delivered the message; European attendees were described as 'shocked.' Fighter jets cut by one-third; strategic bombers halved; zero US submarines contributed; zero US drones; warships significantly reduced. The US framing: reallocation toward a potential Indo-Pacific/China conflict. European allies must have a credible gap-filling plan ready before the Ankara Leaders' Summit (July 7–8, 2026). The submarine and drone cuts strike at NATO's ISR and anti-submarine warfare architecture. Coming just four days after Helsingborg closed without reassurance, the disclosures reveal the full scope of US disengagement that was underway even as Rubio spoke of 'expectations' on stage with Rutte.