**Pentagon Chief Announces Review of US Forces in Europe, Criticizes NATO Allies**
Brussels, Belgium – In a significant development for NATO and US-European relations, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a comprehensive review of troop deployments in Europe during a NATO Defence Ministers' meeting on June 18, 2026. Hegseth's remarks underscored a growing frustration with NATO allies who he accused of "free riding" on US military support, threatening to withhold American contributions to the alliance if these nations fail to meet their defense spending commitments.
The review is expected to last up to six months and will involve consultations with the US Congress, which has mandated a minimum number of American forces stationed in Europe. Hegseth emphasized that the review aims to ensure NATO's transition towards European nations taking greater responsibility for their own defense, stating, "Make no mistake about it, this will be a real review."
Hegseth's comments come in the wake of a recent US decision to limit the availability of certain military assets, including warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the event of a crisis. This decision has raised concerns among European allies and Canada, who are now faced with the challenge of filling the gaps left by reduced US military capabilities.
During the meeting, Hegseth criticized NATO members that did not support the US during its military engagements, particularly in the recent conflict with Iran, where some allies denied the US basing and overflight rights. He stressed that the review would ensure the reliability of US basing and overflight rights in future operations.
The Pentagon's review is part of a broader strategy to reduce what NATO's top commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, described as an "unhealthy codependence" on US forces. This shift comes as the US prepares for the possibility of simultaneous conflicts in various regions, prompting a reevaluation of its military commitments in Europe.
Hegseth articulated a vision for "NATO 3.0," which he described as a post-Cold War recognition of the need for a more robust military alliance capable of deterring threats within Europe. He called for NATO to evolve into a hardline military organization with the capacity to lead in the conventional defense of the continent.
In response to Hegseth's statements, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the significant increase in defense spending among European allies and Canada, noting that they collectively spent $90 billion more on defense in the previous year—a 20 percent increase compared to 2024. Rutte acknowledged that the reduction of US contributions to NATO's crisis forces has already begun, confirming that the changes are immediate.
As the NATO meeting progressed, several defense ministers expressed their commitment to increasing contributions to NATO's crisis pool, signaling a willingness to bolster their military capabilities in light of the US's shifting stance. However, the specifics of the US reductions remain undisclosed, with reports indicating that they include a range of military assets from refueling aircraft to fighter jets, drones, and ships.
The outcome of this review and the subsequent actions taken by NATO allies will likely shape the future of transatlantic defense cooperation and the strategic landscape in Europe. As the US reassesses its role in NATO, the emphasis on shared responsibility among member states could redefine the alliance's operational framework moving forward.