Pentagon Review Sparks NATO Tensions as Europe Says It Is Already Stepping Up Defense Efforts
BRUSSELS — A new Pentagon review ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is creating fresh debate inside NATO after several European allies argued they are already moving aggressively to strengthen their defenses against growing threats from Russia.
Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth announced a six-month review of America's military posture in Europe. He said future U.S. commitments would depend on whether European nations take greater responsibility for their own security and defense spending.
However, European leaders responded by highlighting years of reforms already underway since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Officials pointed to major increases in defense budgets, expanded weapons production, improvements in military mobility, and investments in drones, air defense systems, and long-range strike capabilities.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has repeatedly emphasized that European and Canadian allies significantly increased defense spending in recent years, with defense expenditures continuing to rise throughout 2025 and 2026. NATO members have also agreed to modernize nuclear capabilities and strengthen deterrence planning.
The dispute comes amid broader uncertainty over Washington's long-term military commitment to Europe. NATO officials recently confirmed that allies are filling some capability gaps created by reductions in U.S. contributions to alliance crisis-response forces.
Despite the tensions, NATO leaders insist the alliance remains united against Russian threats. Intelligence assessments across Europe continue to warn that Moscow could pose a broader military challenge later this decade if Ukraine is weakened. European governments have therefore accelerated rearmament programs and defense-industrial investments.
Analysts say the central question is no longer whether Europe will spend more on defense, but whether those efforts will be enough to convince the Trump administration to maintain its traditional military role on the continent.