US Reviews Troop Deployments in Europe

The United States is launching a review of its troop deployments in Europe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. The review will last up to six months and is intended to encourage European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense while ensuring that the US military can meet its global commitments.

Hegseth also criticized countries that, in his view, were failing to meet their defense spending commitments or had not supported the United States during the war with Iran. He warned that Washington could withhold some of its NATO dues if allies continued to engage in “free riding”.

The remarks came after the United States announced last month that it would reduce some of the military capabilities assigned to NATO in the event of a crisis. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the cuts had already taken effect.

European countries are now working to fill the resulting gaps. Belgium announced that it would increase its contribution, including F-16 fighter jets and MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned that some capabilities, such as deep-strike missiles, could not be replaced immediately and that their withdrawal would need to be coordinated with the United States.

(Reuters, bak)