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 increased military recruitment to a 30-year high, raised soldiers' salaries, and invested billions in new defense systems, including plans to acquire up to 12 new submarines to expand its currently minimal submarine fleet. The government’s 2025 budget commits $60 billion over five years to rebuild and strengthen the armed forces.

Carney, who leads this strategic shift, emphasized the need for Canada to better protect its sovereignty and support its allies in a more dangerous and divided world. He stated, "The assumptions that shaped Canada’s security and foreign policy for decades have been shaken. History has returned with full force." Canada has already met NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP ahead of schedule and aims to reach 5% by 2032.

This military expansion marks a departure from Canada’s previous reliance on NATO and the US for defense, reflecting tensions with Washington, including former President Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st US state. Carney has called for reducing dependence on the US for military procurement and has strengthened ties with European countries, becoming the first non-European nation to join Europe’s joint defense procurement program.

Additionally, Canada introduced a new defense industry strategy to prioritize contracts for Canadian companies and increase defense exports by 50%. A new security investment agency was also established to accelerate defense acquisitions. This comprehensive approach signals a historic shift in Canada’s defense posture amid evolving geopolitical challenges.