Trump official issues stark warning Canada ‘needs to step up’ militarily

WorldPolitics
4 Mar 2026 • 4:53 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A senior Pentagon official stated that Canada must enhance its military contributions to align with NATO and the United States within the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
  • Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby highlighted that Canada's armed forces have declined since the Cold War, despite a distinguished military history.
  • The US Department of Defense is in ongoing discussions with Canada regarding NATO targets, homeland defence under NORAD, and the potential Golden Dome missile defence programme.
  • The relationship between the two nations has been strained recently, partly due to tariff threats and comments from the US leader.
  • The US previously warned it might alter the NORAD agreement if Canada reduces its planned purchase of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, with the US ambassador suggesting increased intervention in Canadian airspace.

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