NATO and US military personnel
Number of U.S. military personnel in Europe 2022, by country
Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 5, 2023
As of Feburary 2022, there were estimated to be approximately 35,221 active-duty United States military personnel in Germany, the highest of any European country. In response to the Russian military build-up prior to Russia invading Ukraine, the United States increased its military presense in countries such as Poland and Romania, where there are approximately 1,867 and 1,134 troops stationed respectively.
Supplementary notes
The source adds the following information: Germany, Poland and Romania troop levels have been adjusted to reflect recent changes. Many countries have smaller numbers, including military attachés and Marine guards attached to U.S. embassies and consulates.
Data on countries with deployments of 20 personnel or fewer taken from the U.S. Department of Defense and corresponds to permanent deployments as of September 30, 2021.
Comparison of the military capabilities of NATO and Russia as of 2023
Personnel |
NATO |
Russia |
Total military personnel |
5,817,100 |
1,330,900 |
Active soldiers |
3,358,000 |
830,900 |
Reserve forces |
1,720,700 |
250,000 |
Paramilitary units |
738,400 |
250,000 |
Air Force |
– |
– |
Total aircraft |
20,633 |
4,182 |
Fighters / interceptors |
3,398 |
773 |
Ground attack aircraft |
1,108 |
744 |
Transport aircraft |
1,506 |
444 |
Special aircraft (e.g reconnaissance) |
970 |
147 |
Tanker aircraft |
615 |
19 |
Total helicopters |
8,614 |
1,531 |