The United States is considering major reductions to its military presence in Europe, but no final decision has been announced. Senior Pentagon commanders are expected to submit options to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the coming days, with a decision reportedly expected by November 6.
The review follows European allies’ refusal to allow US forces to use their airbases for attacks on Iran and comes as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues and European governments warn about possible sabotage operations.
Why the Pentagon is reviewing its posture
US media, citing security sources, reported that the Pentagon is weighing several ways to reduce troops and military assets as part of the NATO review. Hegseth referred to the process at a NATO meeting in Brussels in June, saying changes would push Europe toward taking primary responsibility for its own defence. Read the context: NATO responds to reported Iranian strike plans in Europe.
Hegseth sharply criticised European allies after they declined to provide access to bases for US attacks on Iran. He called the decision “shameful” and said it put US service members at risk by denying predictable access, basing and overflight arrangements. Related coverage: Pentagon accused of concealing US military casualties amid Iran war tensions.
Key points
- One option would withdraw about one-third of the estimated 68,000 US troops in Europe.
- A more extensive scenario could remove 40,000 soldiers as well as aircraft, ships and weapons.
- Another possibility is moving forces from Central or Western Europe to NATO’s eastern flank.
- The options are part of a NATO posture review announced by the Pentagon in June.
What a drawdown could mean
The reported options would affect Europe differently. The one-third reduction would largely involve troops in Germany, Italy and Spain. A larger withdrawal could also involve military aircraft, ships and weapons, while relocating forces to the eastern flank could preserve a US presence closer to Russia rather than remove it from the continent altogether.
Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund said a large withdrawal could weaken the US nuclear deterrence posture in Europe. He said the impact would depend on where and when troops were removed: a move east could be less concerning if Germany and France continue expanding their military capabilities, while a broader exit could reduce US power projection across Europe.
The United States has strategic interests at stake as well. Republican Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers warned that troop departures from Germany could send the wrong signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Some withdrawals are already under way
About half of the 2,000 US soldiers stationed in Romania left last year. In Germany, roughly 5,000 troops are in the process of withdrawing; more than half of the US military contingent in Europe is based there.
The Germany withdrawal was announced in May after Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the US war on Iran. US media also reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio blocked an earlier proposal to withdraw as many as 25,000 soldiers after former President Donald Trump threatened to go further.
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