US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new review of troop deployments in Europe, threatening to withhold some US dues to NATO if “free riding” allies fail to meet their defense spending commitments. Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, Hegseth said the review would last up to six months and include consultations with Congress, which has mandated a minimum number of US forces in Europe.

“Make no mistake about it, this will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly towards Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defence of Europe,” Hegseth said. He also slammed allies who did not support the US during its war with Iran, after some denied the US basing and overflight rights for war-related activities.

The US told allies last month that it had decided to shrink the pool of US military capabilities available to the alliance in a crisis. NATO’s top commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, said this is meant to gradually end an “unhealthy codependence” on US forces as Washington faces potential simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that allies spent $90 billion more on defense last year, a 20% increase compared to 2024. He acknowledged that the reduction of US contributions to NATO’s crisis forces has already taken effect, calling it “immediate.” Some ministers offered to raise their contributions to NATO’s crisis pool as they entered the meeting.

The US has not publicly disclosed details of its reductions, but they range from refueling aircraft to fighter jets, drones, and ships, according to a military source cited by Reuters.

Source: www.aljazeera.com