NATO conducts large-scale combat drills in Romania as U.S. military commitment faces scrutiny

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's commitment to Europe under President Trump. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for increased military spending from allies, raising doubts about America's security guarantees. This shift has led NATO partners to reconsider their defense strategies in light of potential changes in U.S. military presence. The exercises include live-fire training and trench warfare drills, with participation from multiple countries. NATO's new Allied Reaction Force, established last year, aims to deploy quickly and integrates conventional and advanced technologies.