US Reviews Troop Presence in Europe as NATO Faces Pressure Over Defense Burden

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a comprehensive review of American troop deployments in Europe, signaling potential changes to Washington’s long-standing military posture within NATO.

Speaking at a NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Hegseth said the review would last up to six months and include consultations with the U.S. Congress. While he did not confirm troop reductions, he emphasized that NATO must shift toward Europe taking greater responsibility for its own defense.

Hegseth also criticized some allies for not supporting U.S. operations during the recent war with Iran, including cases where basing and overflight rights were denied.

NATO Allies Warn of Capability Gaps

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that reductions in U.S. contributions to alliance crisis forces have already taken effect. He said the changes are immediate but described them as part of planning adjustments rather than an active withdrawal during conflict.

Several European allies are now increasing their own contributions. Belgium, for example, pledged additional F-16 fighter jets and MQ-9B drones to help fill capability gaps.

Concerns Over Europe’s Defense Readiness

Defense ministers warned that rapid U.S. reductions could create short-term gaps in critical capabilities such as fighter jets, drones and refueling aircraft. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cautioned that Europe lacks sufficient deep-strike systems and may need temporary stop-gap solutions.

U.S. officials have not fully detailed the scale of reductions, but reports indicate fewer F-15 and F-15E fighter jets, along with a reduced number of MQ-9 and MQ-4 drones assigned to NATO operations.

The review comes ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, where alliance members are expected to debate long-term burden-sharing and Europe’s future defense role.