NATO conducts large-scale combat drills in Romania amid US military commitment concerns

NATO is conducting its largest combat exercises of 2025 in Romania, involving about 10,000 troops from nine nations. The drills aim to enhance rapid deployment capabilities amid concerns over the U.S. military commitment under President Trump. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for increased military spending from allies, raising doubts about America's security guarantees for Europe. This shift has prompted NATO members to reassess their defense strategies. The exercises include live-fire training and mock amphibious assaults, showcasing NATO's new Allied Reaction Force. Established last July, this force aims to deploy within 10 days and integrates conventional and advanced technologies.