BRUSSELS, Belgium — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says 23 NATO allies are hitting or topping the defense spending target of 2% of Gross Domestic Product.
But Austin said "we still need each and every single ally to meet this mutually agreed upon obligation as soon as possible."
Austin briefed the media Friday after meeting with NATO defense ministers in Brussels where he reiterated America's commitment to the alliance.
"The U.S. commitment to Article 5 remains ironclad and we will defend the sovereignty and the territory of every member of this alliance. Whatever changes like ahead, we will tackle them together," he said.
Austin also reaffirmed the U.S. and NATO's long-term commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine.
Next, Austin is scheduled to attend the first-ever G7 Defense Ministers Meeting on Saturday in Naples, Italy.