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10h ago

Pentagon Tells Europe to Lead NATO’s Conventional Defense by 2027, With U.S. Role at Stake

European officials question the two-year timetable, with Washington yet to confirm it as policy.

A cloud of smoke and fire rises over the field during military exercises of Poland and NATO allied countries in Orzysz on September 17, 2025.
Smoke billows from a blast near Polish Abrams tank as Polish forces with NATO soldiers hold military exercises 'Iron Defender' at a military range in Wierzbiny near Orzysz, Poland, September17, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo
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Overview

  • Pentagon officials delivered the message in Washington meetings with several European delegations this week, according to multiple sources.
  • U.S. officials warned that missing the 2027 target could prompt Washington to halt participation in certain NATO defense coordination mechanisms.
  • European officials called the timeline unrealistic, citing production backlogs and unique U.S. intelligence and logistics capabilities that cannot be replaced quickly.
  • A NATO official said allies are taking on more responsibility but did not endorse a specific deadline, while the European Union has a separate 2030 readiness goal.
  • Key details remain undefined, including how progress would be measured, and the White House and Pentagon offered no immediate public confirmation as allies face higher spending goals toward 5% of GDP by 2035.