BRUSSELS: The United States has called for a more robust and uncompromising NATO posture, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the alliance must return to its foundational role as a “hard-line” military bloc.
Speaking on Thursday at NATO headquarters in Brussels ahead of a meeting of defence ministers, Hegseth emphasised that Washington would be frank with allies that are falling short of their defence obligations.
.@SECWAR “NATO 3.0 is a post-Cold War recognition that it needs to go back to being a REAL, HARD-LINE MILITARY ALLIANCE that has REAL MILITARY CAPABILITIES—capable of deterring right here on the continent.” pic.twitter.com/YuWDwsbpq8
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) June 18, 2026
“There are some that still need to do more, and we will be candid about that, both in private and in public. I think that’s important—friends being honest with friends,” he said.
His remarks underline continued US pressure on NATO members to increase defence spending and strengthen military readiness amid evolving global security challenges.
Hegseth’s comments signal a firm US stance within the alliance, reinforcing expectations that member states must fully meet their commitments to ensure NATO’s operational effectiveness and deterrence capacity.
