Evening Brief: Hegseth Pressures NATO on Defense Spending Ahead of Summit, Eyes Trump’s 5% Demand

Good Evening! SOFREP’s Evening Brief is here, bringing you the latest updates on defense and global affairs to wrap up your Thursday, June 5, 2025. A US-led coalition captured an ISIS leader and killed two others in raids across Iraq and Syria. Defense Secretary Hegseth urged NATO to boost spending to 5% of gross domestic product while allies consider a 3.5% compromise. Maxar and Saab formed a defense tech partnership to enhance Europe’s space-based C5ISR systems. The UK pledged $474 million to send 100,000 drones to Ukraine. Ukraine destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft using $1K drones in “Operation Spiderweb,” showcasing a leap in low-cost warfare. Trump and Xi discussed tariffs amid stalled trade talks. Taiwan increased aid to Guatemala as China ramped up pressure, while Beijing issued arrest warrants and trade bans on pro-Taiwan independence figures.

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US-Led Coalition Captures ISIS Leader, Kills Two Operatives in Iraq-Syria Raids

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Wednesday that coalition forces captured a senior Islamic State (IS) leader and killed two other operatives during operations in Iraq and Syria between May 21 and 27.

The joint missions—five in Iraq and one in Syria—aimed to weaken the Islamic State’s operational capabilities and prevent future attacks on civilians and allied forces.

CENTCOM stated that the raids resulted in the detention of two IS members, including the leader, and the recovery of multiple weapons. Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla said the operations highlight the coalition’s continued commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS.

CENTCOM Supports Partner Forces During Defeat ISIS Operations in Iraq and Syria

U.S. Central Command forces supported partner forces in operations in Iraq and Syria, May 21-27, in support of the ongoing Defeat ISIS campaign.

USCENTCOM forces supported six D-ISIS operations,… pic.twitter.com/Pi73LzpWOi

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 4, 2025

The Iraqi-led missions focused on northern Iraq, where IS sleeper cells remain active and conduct periodic attacks on military and police forces. Though IS was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, remnants of the group continue to operate in remote and unstable regions, particularly in northeastern Syria and rural Iraq. Roughly 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq.

The US and Iraqi governments have agreed to end the international coalition’s military mission in Iraq by 2025, with the Kurdistan region following by 2026.

Meanwhile, during a recent tour of the Gulf, President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia and announced a lifting of sanctions on Syria—a move signaling a potential shift in US policy in the region.

Hegseth Pressures NATO on Defense Spending Ahead of Summit, Eyes Trump’s 5% Demand

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday urged NATO allies to commit to higher defense spending ahead of the June 24–25 summit in the Netherlands, pushing for President Donald Trump’s demand of five percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has proposed a compromise target of 3.5 percent on core defense and 1.5 percent on broader security sectors by 2032.

While many NATO members appear ready to back Rutte’s plan, countries like Spain remain hesitant, only now approaching the existing two percent benchmark. Allies are reportedly negotiating the timeline and questioning the annual 0.2 percentage point increase in core defense spending. Still, the compromise could allow Trump to claim victory without forcing struggling nations to meet his full demand.

Washington has endorsed Rutte’s proposal but insists that each NATO country must provide a credible roadmap to reach the new targets.

Hegseth warned NATO that continued reliance on US defense power is unsustainable, citing threats from Russia and China.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says every country has to contribute at least 5% to recognize ‘the nature of the threat” at a NATO Defense Minister’s meeting in Belgium. https://t.co/ULV4ib19yn

⁰#petehegseth #NATO #defense #military #trump #unitedstates pic.twitter.com/3BEubpSpvn

— The National Desk (@TND) June 5, 2025

At the Brussels meeting, NATO ministers also reviewed new capability targets to deter Russia. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Germany may need 50,000 to 60,000 more troops.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans estimated meeting the new goals would cost the Netherlands at least 3.5 percent of GDP.

Hegseth, who previously rattled NATO with warnings of US troop cuts, skipped a key Ukraine support meeting in Brussels, highlighting reduced American engagement with Kyiv under Trump.

European allies continue to press for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to attend the summit as a show of support, but NATO has yet to confirm his participation.

Maxar and Saab Forge Alliance to Boost Europe’s Space-Based C5ISR Capabilities

Maxar Intelligence and Swedish defense giant Saab have signed a strategic partnership to jointly develop next-generation multi-domain battlespace solutions, focusing on advanced space-based C5ISR systems and GPS-resilient technologies for autonomous drones.

The collaboration aims to accelerate sovereign space defense capabilities in Europe.

Maxar and Saab have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate Europe’s space-based defense capabilities. By integrating Maxar’s satellite imagery and global 3D terrain with Saab’s advanced systems, the two will deliver next-gen C5ISR and resilient, GPS-free drone… pic.twitter.com/8IES59x5Zt

— Maxar Technologies (@Maxar) June 4, 2025

The deal, formalized through a Teaming Agreement, grants Saab access to Maxar’s high-resolution geospatial intelligence and mission-ready software like its Raptor system.

Maxar’s Raptor product has already been tested with Saab in multiple countries, demonstrating precision coordinate extraction within 2 meters in GPS-denied environments—a key feature for drone operations.

“This partnership merges Maxar’s geospatial intelligence and Saab’s defense technologies to tackle today’s most pressing operational challenges, from multi-domain command and control to overcoming GPS jamming,” said Maxar CEO Dan Smoot.

He emphasized the partnership’s strategic role in supporting international defense sovereignty.

Saab’s Dynamics division head Görgen Johansson said the collaboration marks a major step in integrating space-based intelligence with defense systems to enhance operational effectiveness across domains.

The agreement expands on recent successes and positions both firms to advance secure, real-time military intelligence and autonomous mission capabilities in Europe and globally.

UK to Supply 100,000 Drones to Ukraine in $474 Million Boost to Defense Aid

The United Kingdom announced a £350 million ($474 million) investment this year to deliver approximately 100,000 drones to Ukraine—ten times the 10,000 provided in 2024—as part of its expanding military support amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

British defense firms, including small and medium-sized enterprises, will benefit from the surge in demand, with Defense Secretary John Healey emphasizing that lessons from Ukraine are fueling domestic advancements in drone technology to strengthen the UK’s own national security.

The drone package is part of the UK’s broader Plan for Change, under which it expects to spend £4.5 billion ($6.1 billion) in military support this year alone.

‘We must step up; we must never step back… For our part in the UK, we will deliver 100,000 drones this year.’

Defence secretary @JohnHealey_MP speaks at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels.https://t.co/zjDkfahQTW

📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/y5WOQk4UiB

— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 4, 2025

Since the war began, London has pledged a total of £18 billion ($24.4 billion) to Ukraine, over 70 percent of which has gone toward military aid.

In addition to drones, the UK has supplied air defense systems, ammunition, multirole missiles, and conducted extensive military training for Ukrainian forces through the British Army.

Ukrainian officials credited UK-supplied drones with helping stabilize key frontlines.

Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb” Destroys Dozens of Russian Warplanes Using $1K Drones

Ukraine executed “Operation Spiderweb” on Sunday, using low-cost first-person view (FPV) drones to damage or destroy over 40 Russian aircraft at airbases across the country.

The operation reportedly caused up to $7 billion in damage and targeted high-value Russian military assets, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers and an A-50 airborne early warning aircraft.

The drones, costing under $1,000 each, were smuggled into Russia in wooden boxes and launched near airfields in Irkutsk, Murmansk, Amur, and western Russia. Operated partially by artificial intelligence (AI), the drones maintained pre-planned flight paths even after losing signal, demonstrating advanced capability previously unavailable to Ukraine.

Satellite imagery confirmed seven bombers destroyed at Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk. Experts say the loss of Tu-95s is a serious setback for Russia, as these aircraft are no longer in production and difficult to replace. Analysts also warn that Russia will now be forced to invest more in aircraft protection and develop countermeasures against future drone strikes.

Before and after operation spiderweb pic.twitter.com/QEm7vFtlDK

— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) June 5, 2025

The attack highlights Ukraine’s continued innovation in asymmetric warfare and underscores the vulnerability of high-value targets to inexpensive drone technology. Experts compare the evolution of drone warfare to the early development of tanks, noting rapid innovation and shifting battlefield roles.

The operation serves as a warning to the West. Military analysts stress the urgent need to bolster air defense systems against low-cost, low-signature drones capable of bypassing traditional radar and targeting strategic assets.

While it remains unclear how significantly the strike will impact Russia’s air operations over Ukraine, analysts suggest it could temporarily reduce Moscow’s ability to conduct strategic bombing campaigns and force costly defensive adjustments.

Trump and Xi Talk Trade Amid Tariff Deadlock and Rising Tensions

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke Thursday as stalled tariff negotiations continued to strain global trade.

According to China’s foreign ministry, Trump initiated the call, though the White House has not initially commented.

The conversation follows Trump’s public frustration with Xi, calling him “VERY TOUGH” and “EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH” on social media.

Trade talks broke down shortly after a May 12 agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs: Trump lowered US tariffs from 145% to 30% for 90 days, while China cut its retaliatory taxes on American goods from 125% to 10%.

Key sticking points include China’s restrictions on critical mineral exports and US limits on advanced chip sales and student visas. Trump aims to reduce US dependency on Chinese manufacturing and revive domestic industry, while Beijing seeks continued access to advanced technologies to power its economic growth.

“I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/vo9QO7IOWD

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 5, 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously said only a direct call between Trump and Xi could restart talks. The current trade standoff has caused market volatility and threatens to deepen geopolitical tensions, even as both nations face economic headwinds—China from a sluggish post-COVID recovery and the US from its $295 billion trade deficit with Beijing in 2024.

Trump and Xi last spoke in January, focusing then on trade and fentanyl smuggling. While Trump once projected optimism about a breakthrough, his recent posts accuse China of violating past agreements, signaling a hardened stance as negotiations remain uncertain.

Taiwan Boosts Aid to Guatemala Amid China’s Diplomatic Offensive

Taiwan pledged new support to Guatemala—its last remaining Central American diplomatic ally—on Thursday, aiming to counter growing pressure from China to peel away its partners.

President Lai Ching-te met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo in Taipei and committed to deeper cooperation in areas including youth scholarships, high-tech and ICT training, public health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Arevalo welcomed the assistance, highlighting Guatemala’s need to build capacity across critical sectors. Both leaders vowed to strengthen ties on the foundation of their longstanding relationship.

Honored to welcome President @BArevalodeLeon & First Lady @lucreciapeinado of #Guatemala. As we deepen ties, both presidents @BArevalodeLeon & @ChingteLai signed an MOU on semiconductors. We’re training Guatemalan youth in #Taiwan & building lasting growth together. pic.twitter.com/JdveSyloPr

— 林佳龍 Lin Chia-lung (@chia_lung) June 5, 2025

Taiwan’s aid strategy remains focused and modest compared to Beijing’s, which has wooed nations with large infrastructure projects and high-interest loans.

China’s ongoing campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan serves its broader goal of pressuring the island into unification.

Despite being a democratic state constrained by legislative oversight, Taiwan positions itself as a viable democratic alternative to authoritarian regimes. However, China’s efforts have cut Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies down to just 12 worldwide, with recent shifts in allegiance occurring across Central America and the Caribbean.

China Issues Arrest Warrants, Trade Ban Targeting Pro-Taiwan Independence Figures

China issued arrest warrants Thursday for 20 Taiwanese nationals it accuses of conducting cyber operations on behalf of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Authorities in Guangzhou claim the group, led by Ning Enwei, carried out hacking missions on the mainland but did not specify charges.

Simultaneously, Beijing banned all business dealings with Sicuens International Company Ltd., citing its leadership by Puma Shen, a Taiwanese legislator, and his father as “hardcore Taiwan independence supporters.”

Sicuens is reportedly involved in bicycle parts trade sourced from China.

The Chinese mainland on Thursday launched a series of actions targeting “Taiwan independence” separatists, including issuing a wanted notice with rewards for 20 key hacker suspects involved in cyberattacks against a mainland company, exposing the Democratic Progressive Party… pic.twitter.com/1cwLFmRSjd

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 5, 2025

Chinese officials accused the firm of exploiting mainland commercial partnerships for profit while backing pro-independence efforts. Last year, Beijing sanctioned Shen and his organization, Kuma Academy, for promoting self-defense training and anti-disinformation preparedness in Taiwan.

Shen responded, calling China’s actions ideologically driven and counterproductive to its own manufacturers. Taiwan, meanwhile, continues to bolster its military readiness amid rising cross-strait tensions.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has increasingly targeted individuals and entities it sees as undermining its unification goals.

Sources: News Agencies, The Associated Press