Hegseth Orders Review Of U.S. Forces In Europe, Signals NATO Shift
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday, June 18, 2026, that he has ordered a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. forces in Europe.[1]
Hegseth said the review's outcome will depend on how quickly European allies move toward taking "primary responsibility for the defense of Europe." NPR He criticized allies for denying U.S. basing and overflight for strikes on Iran, calling the refusals "shameful." NPR The U.S. notified allies on June 3 that it would no longer plan to provide an aircraft carrier group, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighters in an Article 5 crisis.[1]
On February 13, 2025, Hegseth told NATO defense ministers that allies must spend more and take greater leadership responsibility for Europe's defense. In February 2026, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby outlined a "NATO 3.0" framework requiring European allies to assume primary responsibility for conventional defense. On June 3, 2026, U.S. European Command told allies it would reduce planned U.S. contributions to the NATO Force Model, citing the need to address simultaneous conflicts and end unhealthy dependence on U.S. forces.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said European allies and Canada increased defense spending by about $90 billion in 2025, a 20% rise from 2024.[1] NATO's Nuclear Planning Group issued its first public statement in 19 years, saying allied strategic nuclear forces remain central to deterrence and will stay in Europe.[1] As of April 2025, roughly 80,000 U.S. service members were stationed in Europe. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act bars cutting U.S. troop levels below 76,000 for more than 45 days without NATO consultation and certifications to Congress.
The mainstream summary does not mention the broader context of U.S. strategic rebalancing, which emphasizes a shift in focus toward deterring China in the Indo-Pacific. This shift necessitates a reduction in conventional military commitments to Europe, as outlined in the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy, which states that allies must take on primary responsibility for their regional security. This perspective is crucial, as it underlines the rationale behind Hegseth's call for increased European defense spending and the review of U.S. forces in Europe, which is framed as part of a broader 'NATO 3.0' approach to burden-sharing and resource allocation. The summary also does not highlight the significant increase in defense spending by European allies and Canada, which totaled over $574 billion in 2025, representing 2.3% of their combined GDP, a figure that illustrates the growing commitment from these nations to their own defense capabilities.[2][3]
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📊 Relevant Data
As of April 2025, the United States had roughly 80,000 service members stationed in Europe according to U.S. European Command data, with totals varying between approximately 75,000 and 105,000 due to rotations and exercises.
Where Are U.S. Military Forces Deployed in Europe? — Council on Foreign Relations
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act stipulated that U.S. troop levels in Europe could not be reduced below 76,000 for more than 45 days without NATO consultation and certifications to Congress.
Where Are U.S. Military Forces Deployed in Europe? — Council on Foreign Relations
European NATO allies and Canada spent a combined total of more than USD 574 billion (adjusted to 2021 prices) on defense in 2025, equivalent to 2.3% of their combined GDP.
📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers in Brussels he has ordered a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. forces in Europe.
- Hegseth said the review’s outcome will depend on how quickly European allies move toward taking “primary responsibility for the defense of Europe.”
- He criticized allies for denying U.S. access to European bases for Iran strikes, calling the refusal “shameful.”
- The article says the U.S. notified allies on June 3, 2026, that it would no longer plan to provide an aircraft carrier group, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighters in an Article 5 crisis.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said European allies and Canada increased defense spending by $90 billion in 2025, up 20% from 2024.
- NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group issued its first public statement in 19 years, emphasizing that allied strategic nuclear forces remain central to deterrence and will stay in Europe.
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