Pentagon weighs pulling nearly third of US forces from Europe

The Pentagon is weighing a drastic plan to pull planes, ships, weapons and tens of thousands of US troops from Europe, despite warnings from NATO allies about the growing threat of Russian aggression, according to seven current and former US and Western officials, Report informs via NBC News.

The proposed drawdown may be even larger, reaching as many as 40,000 troops, NBC noted, citing current and former US and Western officials familiar with the deliberations. About 80,000 US troops are currently stationed in Europe.

No final decisions have been made.

Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest US deployments in Europe, are among the countries likely to be affected.

The options under consideration are part of a six-month Pentagon review of the US military presence in Europe. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US European Command and serves as NATO's supreme allied commander, is expected to provide an initial analysis to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.

The assessment is expected to outline several options involving aviation, naval and ground forces, as well as the possible repositioning of some US forces toward NATO's eastern flank.

Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on November 6 before any proposal is presented to President Donald Trump.