Europe Must Lead Its Own Defence: Hegseth Pushes NATO 3.0 As US Reviews Troop Posture

Declaring that “Europe must lead its own defence,” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday called for a sweeping restructuring of NATO into a more combat-focused framework under a proposed “NATO 3.0” model, while Washington simultaneously launched a major review of its military footprint in Europe.

Addressing NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Hegseth said the alliance must become a “real hard-line military alliance” capable of deterring threats without over-reliance on US military assets. He said Europe should take primary responsibility for conventional defence of the continent, while the United States focuses on wider global security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

In a significant policy shift, Hegseth announced a six-month review of US troop deployments in Europe , covering basing, air assets, and rapid-response capabilities. The review follows earlier indications that Washington may reduce automatic deployment of key military resources, including aircraft carriers, refuelling planes, and fighter jets, in the event of a NATO crisis.

He also criticised what he described as insufficient allied burden-sharing, warning that US support would increasingly depend on European readiness and defence spending commitments. According to officials present, Hegseth reiterated that the US is preparing for “two simultaneous conflicts” , reinforcing its strategic pivot toward Asia.

The Pentagon chief highlighted a $1.5 trillion defence investment plan , describing it as building an “arsenal of freedom” that strengthens US capabilities while still backing NATO deterrence.

NATO officials confirmed that the United States has already begun adjusting certain crisis-response assets , including elements of air refuelling and drone support, raising concerns over operational gaps that European allies may need to fill quickly.

Despite these changes, Hegseth reaffirmed that US nuclear weapons will remain stationed in Europe, preserving a key pillar of NATO deterrence.

While NATO’s Article 5 collective defence guarantee remains intact, the US position signals a shift toward fewer automatic military commitments and greater allied responsibility in practical crisis response.