Brussels: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday hailed progress by Nato allies to meet defense spending pledges but said some must “do more” as he struck a conciliatory tone at an alliance meeting.
“Many countries are following through, some still need to do more, and we will be honest about that, both privately and publicly,” Hegseth said ahead of talks with Nato defense ministers in Brussels.
“I think it’s important – friends are honest with friends.”
The warm tone is likely to reassure Washington’s allies ahead of a summit with US President Donald Trump next month – after the mercurial leader lashed out at Europe over its response to his war on Iran.
Nato will look to showcase increased spending from Europe to prove to Trump that it is going ahead with a pledge last year to reach 5% of GDP on defense-related spending.
“When it comes to spending, what we are seeing is staggering amounts coming in,” Nato chief Mark Rutte said.
“Europe and Canada will spend more than $90 billion more in 2025 compared to 2024, which is almost a 20% increase in defense spending.”
Despite the positive spin from the alliance, a Nato official said three European countries, including Slovenia and the Czech Republic, are currently on track to fall below a crucial 2% threshold this year.
Washington has been clear to Europe that it wants Nato allies on the continent to assume primary responsibility for their own conventional defense as the US focus shifts to China.
As part of this process, the Pentagon has told allies that it is reducing the number of assets worldwide it is making available to Nato.
The US move has sparked fears it could leave Europe vulnerable to an aggressive Russia, as allies still depend on Washington for some key weapons.
Rutte said that while the US reductions were “immediate”, it did not mean Washington would not be there if Nato faced an attack.
“Then all allies, including the United States, will maximize what they can do to ensure that we can fight the war,” he said.
‘Need more time’
US 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.
The reports said a submarine capable of firing cruise missiles is also being taken out along with one of two aircraft carrier groups.
“By and large, 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 the security of NATO territory in Europe, whose capabilities are withdrawn very quickly, without it being clear when they can be compensated.”
While Nato focuses on its own security, allies will also hold talks to strengthen support for Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a meeting of Kiev’s military backers in Nato later in the day before heading to a summit of EU leaders.
Ukraine is hoping to build on the momentum from a positive meeting between Zelensky and Trump at the G7 in Evian to secure more support in its battle with Russia.
