The United States has said allies "must make NATO great again" and urged members of the military alliance to do "far more" to defend Europe.

       US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said after a meeting with his counterparts in Europe that US President Donald Trump won't allow anyone to turn "Uncle Sam into Uncle Sucker" in an apparent accusation European countries have not been shouldering enough responsibility for its defence.

       He said NATO needed to follow the United States' lead by "reviving" a "warrior ethos", rebuilding members' militaries and re-establishing deterrence. The US defence supremo said he had been assigned a clear mission from Mr Trump to "put America first" and achieve peace through strength.

       Mr Hegseth added: "NATO is a great alliance, the most successful defence alliance in history. But to endure for the future, our partners must do far more for Europe's defence."

       The former US TV host said Europe must assume "primary responsibility" for its defence as he urged countries to commit a 5% share of their gross domestic product to defence.

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