Brussels: The Pentagon has initiated a thorough review of the US military's force posture in Europe, with the aim of accelerating NATO allies' assumption of primary responsibility for the continent's conventional defense, Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby announced on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Colby stated that the Europe Posture Review follows a declaration by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the recent NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels. The review is designed to reassess the US military's presence across the continent. "As the Secretary laid out then, this will be a real review, designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its conventional defense," Colby commented on the social media platform X.

The review is expected to expedite NATO's transition toward a "stronger, more equitable and sustainable" alliance, building on previous policies under US President Donald Trump, which encouraged European allies to take on a larger share of the defense burden. Colby emphasized, "In doing so, the Review will further the goal of fully restoring NATO's character as a powerful warfighting organization - a NATO 3.0. This will put NATO on the track for lasting, sustained success, especially as we confront simultaneous challenges across theaters."

The review process will analyze the US force posture in Europe to ensure it aligns with the administration's National Security Strategy for 2025 and National Defense Strategy for 2026. Colby added that officials would develop a range of options based on strategic analysis and current geopolitical and military conditions. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and to consult closely with European allies, Congress, and other parts of the US government as the review progresses.