US to Boost Military Capacity in Europe by Restructuring Armed Forces:Hagel

MOSCOW, January 8 (Sputnik) — The restructuring of the US Armed Forces in Europe will increase the effectiveness of the country's military presence in the region, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said Thursday.

"As part of an overall restructuring of our basing in Europe, we have been working with our allies to reposition thousands of our military and civilian personnel within the region," Hagel said.

The defense secretary noted that "this will result in a reduction in size of our local host nation workforces at some locations." Hagel stressed, however, that eventually the "transformation of our infrastructure will help maximize our military capabilities in Europe and help strengthen our important European partnerships, so that we can best support our NATO allies and partners in the region."

Earlier on Thursday, the Pentagon announced plans to consolidate some of its infrastructure in Europe. The move, in particular, implies the return of 15 military bases to their host nations, including the UK and Portugal. According to the Pentagon's statement, the restructuring will help the US government save $500 million annually.

Apart from that, the Department of Defense announced Thursday the US Air Force will base the first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter group in Europe at Royal Air Force station (RAF) Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.