National

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued the alliance has "lost its way" after shifting focus away from military readiness. Hegseth said NATO became distracted by issues including gender equity, climate change and defence austerity instead of prioritizing tanks, fighter jets and air defence systems. He also called for a stronger "NATO 3.0" and said some allies still need to do more to meet their defence commitments. The remarks came as NATO confirmed European allies are increasing their contributions after the United States reduced its pledged role in the alliance's crisis forces.