US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says NATO allies are making progress on defence efforts, while also calling on some countries to increase their contributions. In comments reported by multiple outlets, Hegseth highlights improvements in how NATO members are building or strengthening defence capabilities. At the same time, he argues that not all allies are moving quickly enough, and that some countries still need to do more to meet collective expectations.
The reports also note that Hegseth links the call for additional action to defence spending levels among NATO members. His remarks frame the development as an ongoing process within the alliance, with the United States urging further commitments from those that have not yet increased spending to a sufficient degree.
Overall, the sources agree on the core message: Hegseth credits NATO allies for steps taken toward stronger defence readiness, but he presses for further increases from some allies to strengthen the alliance’s shared capabilities and meet spending targets.
