Are Changes Coming To US Air Force Basing In Europe?
Last time around the US announced a big change without consulting allies. This time a top Air Force official doesn't foresee "huge movement," but promised a heads up.
By Aaron Mehta on September 22, 2021 at 10:07 AM
AFA: The head of US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE) would not rule out a future change in Air Force basing in Europe, but pledged that allies and partners on the continent would be well informed of any process before changes would be made.
Speaking to reporters at the annual Air Force Association conference, Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian acknowledged that potential changes to force posture in Europe, including basing, are part of the overall posture review currently being conducted by the Defense Department. That review is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with its findings driving both the National Defense Strategy and fiscal year 2023 budget request.
“We have had discussions on, what do we think is the right number of locations in terms of basing and really, what kind of capabilities do we need” to deter Russia in Europe, Harrigian said. “There’s going to be some things that will get talked about, and we’ll have to see how that plays out.”
Still, even if changes happen, “I don’t see huge movement,” Harrigian said.
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