Pentagon launches review of US forces and bases in Europe

Published by Albis · 19 Jun 2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US force posture in Europe, tying future deployments to European allies’ willingness to assume more responsibility for the continent’s defense

• • Any force-posture review can change deterrence signaling toward Russia and reshape alliance burden debates.
• • Hegseth said the review would examine US force posture and basing in Europe and would include consultations with US European Command, Congress and allies.
• • Al Jazeera reported that Congress has legislated a minimum number of US forces in Europe, making the review a military and political process rather than a simple Pentagon staffing.
• • The announcement came with sharp criticism of allies.