The cuts reportedly include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets assigned to NATO, plus refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones.
BRUSSELS (AFP) – US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO on Thursday that the Pentagon will review its force presence in Europe within six months, after he attacked allies over defense spending and their response to the Iran war.
“This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving quickly and irreversibly towards Europe, stepping up to take primary responsibility for Europe’s defence,” Hegseth told a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
“It’s a review that some countries will fail and others will pass with flying colors,” he said.
The Pentagon chief said the move was also intended to ensure that “US access, basing and overflight are clearly defined and secured” after several European countries imposed restrictions on US forces during the Iran war.
“It was shameful. These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk,” he said. “There is no excuse for this.”
The United States is ramping up the pressure ahead of a NATO summit next month as it tries to ensure the allies follow through on a pledge made last year to massively increase defense spending.
Hegseth went on to say that Washington paying its obligations to cover NATO’s organizational spending — roughly $790 million in 2026 — would be “contingent” on allies meeting spending targets.
“Where other allies do not spend urgently, our obligation contributions will be reduced,” he said.
The broadside by the US defense chief – who had initially signaled a conciliatory tone – will send a jolt to NATO allies worried about the US commitment to defend Europe.
President Donald Trump had attacked European allies for their response to his war in Iran.
But there was hope that the US peace deal with Tehran could help NATO put away bad blood by the time alliance leaders meet in Turkey.
“Many Allied capitals still seem to be missing something in translation,” Hegseth said.
Trump “gave our allies a test to support America when we asked for their help and many failed,” he added.
Despite the harsh language, Hegseth acknowledged steps taken by many NATO members to boost their defenses and said progress was being made.
“Some of our allies have gotten the message and grown up. You know who you are and we really appreciate that,” he said.
NATO chief Mark Rutte dismissed repeated questions about Hegseth’s scathing criticism – and said the start of the review was “prudent”.
“What he tried to do today is to keep the pressure on and I think that’s good. That’s his role,” Rutte said.
‘Max Out’
NATO will look to show increased spending from Europe to prove to Trump that it is making progress on a pledge last year to reach 5% of GDP in defense-related spending.
Rutte said Europe and Canada had spent an additional $90 billion compared to 2024.
Washington has been clear with Europe that it wants NATO allies on the continent to take primary responsibility for their conventional defense as the US focus shifts to China.
As part of this process, the Pentagon has already told allies it is reducing the number of assets worldwide it makes available for NATO operations.
The US move has sparked fears it could leave Europe vulnerable to an aggressive Russia, as allies still rely on Washington for some key weapons.
Rutte said that while the US reductions were “immediate”, that did not mean Washington would not be there if NATO faced an attack.
“Then all allies, including the US, will maximize what they can do to make sure we can fight the war,” he said.
‘It takes more time’
American and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets assigned to NATO, plus refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones.
Reports said a submarine capable of launching cruise missiles is also being removed, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups.
“In general, we will be able to compensate for many things. But we need a little more time, and that is the clear message,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. “It is difficult and dangerous for NATO’s territorial security in Europe if capabilities are withdrawn too quickly, without being clear when they can be replaced.”
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By MAX DELANY
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