Hegseth Calls for “NATO 3.0” as Europe Faces Pressure to Take Lead on Defense Burden

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has called for European NATO members to take the lead in reshaping the alliance into what he described as a more combat-focused structure, referred to as “NATO 3.0,” arguing that the bloc must evolve into a stronger military deterrent centered in Europe.

Speaking ahead of a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, Hegseth said the alliance should move beyond its post-Cold War configuration and return to a harder military posture. “NATO 3.0 is post-Cold War recognition that needs to go back to a real, hardline military alliance that has real military capabilities capable of deterring right here on the continent and taking the lead for the conventional defense of Europe,” he said.

His remarks come amid continued pressure from US President Donald Trump on European allies to increase defense spending and assume a larger share of responsibility within NATO. Trump has repeatedly signaled that Washington intends to reduce its relative military footprint in Europe as it shifts strategic focus toward China and the Indo-Pacific region.

According to previous reporting, the US has already informed NATO partners that it plans to scale back certain military deployments in Europe, including reductions in bombers, fighter jets, warships, and other assets assigned to the alliance framework. Trump has also at various points raised the possibility of withdrawing troops from Germany amid tensions with Berlin, while also floating and later revising plans involving force levels in Poland.

Hegseth said NATO members had agreed at the Hague Summit to raise defense-related investment targets significantly, committing to spending up to 5% of GDP annually on defense and related security areas by 2035. He noted that while some allies have moved in that direction, others are still falling short of their obligations.

“We will be candid about that both in private and in public,” Hegseth told reporters, emphasizing continued US expectations for compliance.

He also highlighted Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, describing it as a signal of long-term US military strength. According to Hegseth, such spending is not only intended to reinforce American capabilities but also to underpin allied security commitments.

“Building the arsenal of freedom that first and foremost protects America and American interests but also backstops the strength of NATO and our allies,” he said, framing the US military role as both national and collective in scope.