US to Review European Troop Deployment, Push NATO Toward European Leadership

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon will conduct a comprehensive review of American military forces stationed in Europe over the next six months, aimed at ensuring NATO moves "rapidly and irreversibly" toward European-led defense. Hegseth made the statement at a NATO Defense Ministers' meeting in Brussels on June 18, 2026, as Washington intensifies pressure on European allies to assume greater responsibility for their own security.

The review will focus on safeguarding US "access, basing, and overflight rights" in Europe, particularly following tensions during the recent Iran conflict when some NATO members restricted American military use of their bases and airspace. Hegseth expressed frustration over this limitation, stating that allies had placed American service members in danger. He emphasized that future US contributions to NATO's operational costs will be contingent on whether member states meet their defense spending commitments. With the US set to pay approximately $790 million in 2026 NATO dues, Hegseth warned that American financial contributions could be reduced if other allies fail to increase their defense budgets promptly.

Simultaneously, the Pentagon has notified NATO allies of plans to significantly reduce strategic military assets available for NATO operations during crises. These reductions include a 30% decrease in strategic bombers, one-third reduction in fighter aircraft, elimination of reconnaissance and attack drones, and a 50% reduction in naval vessels. The move has prompted concern from European leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called for better coordination of these drawdowns to prevent Europe from being left vulnerable during potential armed conflicts, urging the development of a roadmap clarifying which nations would assume responsibilities currently handled by the US.

Despite the stern messaging, Hegseth acknowledged that many NATO members have made significant progress in strengthening their defense capabilities. The announcement comes ahead of a NATO summit scheduled for July 2026, where the US will continue pressing allies to fulfill their commitments to substantially increase defense expenditures. Meanwhile, NATO's Nuclear Planning Group agreed to modernize the alliance's nuclear capabilities and strengthen nuclear planning coordination, reaffirming that strategic nuclear forces remain the cornerstone of NATO security and extended deterrence.