US probes NATO allies over military support as it mulls further troop cuts

In Brussels, Deputy Pentagon chief Elbridge Colby is seeking the support of NATO countries for key U.S. defense objectives, as part of a review of American forces in Europe. This visit marks an effort to encourage European and Canadian nations to increase their own defense spending. Washington also aims to assess the loyalty of these allies following their restrictions on airspace and access to American bases linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Colby informed NATO’s 32 ambassadors that the review would lead to a more durable and powerful European-led defense of the continent. Some NATO allies have expressed concerns about the approach, with one describing the recent questionnaire as a "scary exercise" that seeks to obtain allegiance from member countries. Colby emphasized that the questionnaire is not meant to dictate terms nor provide carte blanche on U.S. military access, but rather to highlight the need for effective operations and predictability.

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, announced the review in June, partly in response to airspace and basing restrictions imposed by countries like France, Italy, and Spain. President Donald Trump had threatened to withdraw from NATO earlier this year over these constraints. The review process is also raising fears of a competitive race among allies to secure U.S. presence on their territory.

During a meeting with ambassadors, NATO diplomats described the event as "very constructive" and noted progress in military capability targets, defense spending, and proposals to replace U.S. forces in alliance war plans.