Overview
- Pentagon officials told several European delegations in Washington that allies should assume the majority of NATO’s non‑nuclear defense capabilities by 2027, Reuters reported.
- U.S. officials warned that if the target is missed, Washington may stop participating in some NATO defense coordination mechanisms, though specifics were not detailed.
- A NATO spokesperson said allies are taking more responsibility for Europe’s security but did not endorse the 2027 date, and it remains unclear whether the deadline reflects administration policy.
- European officials argue the timeline cannot be met due to reliance on unique U.S. capabilities such as ISR, munitions shortfalls, and delivery backlogs that would take years to overcome.
- The push follows a June leaders’ summit where NATO members backed higher defense ambitions, including a U.S.-supported move toward 5% of GDP, while the EU has a separate self‑defense readiness goal around 2030.