Canada Dramatically Boosts Military Amid Growing Rift With US

Canada is undergoing a significant military buildup under Prime Minister Mark Carney, responding to a widening rift with the United States. Over the past year, Canada has set recruitment records, increased soldiers' salaries, and invested billions in new military systems, including plans to acquire up to 12 new submarines to expand its currently minimal submarine fleet. This shift marks a departure from Canada's longstanding reputation as a country that neglected its military, relying instead on NATO and its powerful southern neighbor for defense.

Carney emphasized the need for Canada to better protect its sovereignty and support its allies in an increasingly dangerous and divided world. He stated, "The assumptions that shaped Canada’s security and foreign policy for decades have been shaken. History has returned, and with full force." Canada has already met NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP ahead of schedule and aims to reach a new goal of 5% by 2032. The 2025 budget commits $60 billion over five years to rebuild and expand the military.

In addition to military expansion, Canada introduced a new defense industry strategy to prioritize procurement from Canadian companies and increase defense exports by 50%. A new security investment agency was established to accelerate defense acquisitions. This military strengthening comes amid tensions with the US, including former President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada as the 51st state. Carney has called for reducing dependence on the US for defense procurement and has sought closer ties with European countries, becoming the first non-European nation to join Europe’s joint defense procurement agreement.

This approach contrasts sharply with that of Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who criticized NATO spending targets as simplistic and not automatically enhancing security. Canada’s new policy reflects a strategic pivot toward greater military self-reliance and diversified international partnerships.