Overview
- Pentagon staff delivered the 2027 expectation to several European delegations during meetings in Washington this week, according to multiple sources.
- Officials said Europe should assume most non-nuclear capabilities, from troops and weapons to intelligence and missiles, or risk a U.S. pullback from certain coordination mechanisms.
- Several European officials called the timeline unrealistic, citing production backlogs and unique U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets that cannot be quickly replaced.
- A NATO spokesperson said allies are taking on more responsibility for Europe’s security but declined to endorse the specific 2027 deadline.
- It remains unclear whether the date reflects official White House policy, and a U.S. official said some on Capitol Hill are concerned about the message.