NATO conducts large-scale combat drills in Eastern Europe as US defense priorities shift

NATO is conducting its largest combat exercises of 2025, named Steadfast Dart, in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. The drills involve about 10,000 troops from nine nations, focusing on rapid deployment along NATO's eastern border amid concerns over U.S. security commitments. The exercises come as the U.S. under President Trump shifts its defense priorities, prompting European allies to consider their own military readiness. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that European nations must increase their military spending and take a leading role in their defense. NATO's new Allied Reaction Force aims to deploy within 10 days and includes advanced technologies. The drills feature live-fire training and amphibious assaults, reflecting NATO's response to evolving security threats in the region.