Story perspectives

Canada Urged to Strengthen Military Amid NATO Pressures

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby says Canada must boost its military to meet NATO targets and improve homeland defenses.
Colby notes Canada’s military has diminished since the Cold War.
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra warns that changes to Canada’s plan to buy 88 F-35 fighters could trigger U.S. intervention in airspace.
The situation may require new terms for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) agreement, governing joint airspace operations.

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Story summary

Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby says Canada must boost its military to meet NATO targets and improve homeland defenses.
Colby notes Canada’s military has diminished since the Cold War.
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra warns that changes to Canada’s plan to buy 88 F-35 fighters could trigger U.S. intervention in airspace.
The situation may require new terms for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) agreement, governing joint airspace operations.