NATO's Steadfast Dart Exercise: A Turning Point for European Defense

The NATO military exercise "Steadfast Dart 26," which commenced on January 15, 2026, is notable for its lack of participation from the United States, marking a significant shift in the alliance's dynamics. Taking place in Europe, the exercise involves over 10,000 troops, 1,500 tanks, 17 ships, and 20 military aircraft from 11 nations, including Germany, France, Poland, and the Netherlands. The exercise aims to assess the rapid deployment capabilities of NATO's Allied Reaction Force, simulating a scenario where European nations must respond to a potential attack without U.S. military support.

Largest NATO Exercise of 2026 Held Without U.S.

The absence of U.S. forces has raised concerns about the future of NATO and its collective defense capabilities. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Europe cannot defend itself independently, stating, “If anyone thinks here again that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming.” He warned that even doubling defense spending from the current 5% of GDP to 10% would not suffice to establish a credible independent defense, particularly in terms of nuclear deterrence.

NATO Chief: EU Can’t Stand Alone Without US‘Keep Dreaming’: NATO Chief Says Europe Can’t Defend Itself Without USNATO chief warns Europe cannot defend itself without USNATO’s Rutte says Europe can’t defend itself without US; France balks

Rutte's comments have sparked a debate among European leaders. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot countered Rutte's assertions, arguing that Europeans must take responsibility for their own security. He stated, “Europeans can and must take responsibility for their own security,” suggesting a need for a European defense pillar within NATO. This perspective reflects a growing sentiment among some EU officials advocating for reduced reliance on U.S. military support.

NATO’s Rutte says Europe can’t defend itself without US; France balks

Critics of Rutte's position, including security analysts, argue that perpetuating a narrative of European helplessness is counterproductive. Max Bergmann from the Center for Strategic & International Studies contended that Europe could deter threats if focused and determined. Furthermore, some analysts believe that Rutte's dismissal of a European defense force undermines the potential for Europe to develop its own military capabilities.

NATO’s Rutte says Europe can’t defend itself without US; France balks

Rutte acknowledged the necessity of U.S. involvement in NATO, asserting that the U.S. remains committed to Article Five of the NATO treaty, which ensures collective defense. He credited President Donald Trump with reshaping NATO's defense spending, noting that many member countries would not have increased their budgets without U.S. pressure. However, Rutte's remarks also reflect a growing anxiety about the U.S.'s shifting focus towards its own national interests, particularly in the context of tensions over Greenland.

‘Keep Dreaming’: NATO Chief Says Europe Can’t Defend Itself Without USNATO’s Rutte says Europe can’t defend itself without US; France balksNATO Chief: EU Can’t Stand Alone Without USNATO chief warns Europe cannot defend itself without US

As NATO navigates these challenges, the outcomes of the Steadfast Dart exercise may influence future defense strategies and collaborations among European nations. The exercise serves as a critical test of NATO's operational capabilities in a landscape where U.S. support may not be as assured as in the past, prompting European leaders to reconsider their defense strategies and alliances.

Largest NATO Exercise of 2026 Held Without U.S.

• “If anyone thinks here again that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming,” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

NATO Chief Says Europe Is ‘Dreaming’ if It Thinks It Can Defend Itself Without U.S.

• “Europeans can and must take responsibility for their own security.” — Jean-Noël Barrot, French Foreign Minister

‘Keep Dreaming’: NATO Chief Says Europe Can’t Defend Itself Without US

• “perpetuating a sense of European helplessness may help Rutte bureaucratically,” — Max Bergmann, Center for Strategic & International Studies

NATO’s Rutte says Europe can’t defend itself without US; France balks