Pentagon Hosts Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania To Strengthen European Defense
The meeting comes as Baltic nations prepare to dramatically increase military budgets amid ongoing regional tensions.
Hegseth praised Estonian Minister Hanno Pevkur, Latvian Minister Andris Sprūds, and Lithuanian Minister Dovilė Šakalienė for committing to allocate 5% of their respective countries' GDPs to defense by 2026. The spending target represents one of the highest defense investment rates among NATO allies.
According to Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, the Secretary 'appreciated the Baltic states' clear-eyed view of the European security environment.' Hegseth emphasized that European nations must take 'primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defense.'
The defense leaders also explored ways to strengthen their nations' defense manufacturing capabilities. Building industrial capacity has become increasingly critical as allies seek to replenish weapons stockpiles and modernize military equipment.
The Baltic states have emerged as some of NATO's most committed members in terms of defense spending. Their proximity to Russia has driven aggressive military modernization efforts in recent years.
The Pentagon readout noted Hegseth's push for allies to convert higher spending into 'combat credible capabilities.' This reflects broader U.S. concerns about ensuring defense dollars translate into meaningful military readiness rather than bureaucratic overhead.
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