More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says

Key Points:

• U.S. Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich stated that additional U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe should be expected over several years as European NATO allies enhance their conventional defense capabilities.
• The U.S. is currently withdrawing 5,000 troops from Europe, including the cancellation of an armored brigade combat team rotation to Poland and a long-range fires battalion deployment, with further minor troop redeployments planned.
• Grynkewich emphasized that as European NATO members strengthen their military capacity, the U.S. will reduce its presence and focus on providing critical capabilities that allies cannot yet supply.
• NATO military leaders highlighted the increased ground combat power of Baltic countries, Poland, and others since 2022, with operational multinational brigades and ongoing force build-up in the region.
• NATO's transformation commander Adm. Pierre Vandier stressed the need for a modernized force mix combining traditional platforms with advanced technologies like drones, software, and electronic warfare to maintain operational effectiveness and deterrence.