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[INTERNATIONAL] · Belgium, Germany, Poland, United States · 58 sources

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U.S. Defense Under Secretary Colby promotes 'NATO 3.0' strategy

U.S. Defense Under Secretary Elbridge Colby is spearheading a strategic shift in NATO relations, referred to as 'NATO 3.0.' This model proposes that European allies take primary responsibility for the continent's conventional defense, while the United States maintains its nuclear deterrent and focuses more resources on the Indo-Pacific and the Western Hemisphere.

The Pentagon is currently conducting a six-month review of its military presence in Europe, where approximately 80,000 troops are stationed. As part of this process, the Pentagon has issued a questionnaire to NATO allies seeking written commitments regarding defense spending, military base access, and airspace usage. The review is also influenced by U.S. dissatisfaction with how some allies responded to the conflict with Iran, specifically regarding restrictions on U.S. military operations.

By November 6, the Pentagon intends to present at least four deployment scenarios to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These options will evaluate different troop numbers, locations, and costs. While the U.S. remains committed to the alliance, the administration is pressuring allies to increase their defense contributions, noting that European and Canadian defense spending rose by $139 billion in 2025. In Poland, discussions are already underway regarding the establishment of more permanent U.S. military bases.

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Donald Trump · Elbridge Colby · Germany · Mark Rutte · NATO · Pentagon · Pete Hegseth · U.S. Department of Defense · United States

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