Carney Pledges Defense Shift Away from U.S. \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will meet NATO’s 2% defense spending target by early 2025. He emphasized reducing reliance on the U.S. and diversifying military procurement toward Europe. The move comes amid heightened tensions ahead of the G7 and NATO summits.
Quick Looks
- Canada to hit NATO’s 2% GDP military spending target by early 2025.
- Timeline moved up by five years from original 2030 estimate.
- PM Carney: U.S. no longer plays a predominant global role.
- Canada to redirect defense procurement toward Europe.
- Only one of Canada’s four submarines currently operational.
- New $9B CAD investment will boost defense and Arctic monitoring.
- Carney suggests reviewing U.S. F-35 fighter jet purchases.
- NATO allies may soon commit to spending 5% of GDP.
Deep Look
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that Canada will meet NATO’s military spending target of 2% of GDP by early 2025, five years ahead of its previous schedule. The announcement, made during a speech at the University of Toronto, signals a dramatic acceleration in defense investment amid changing global power dynamics and rising geopolitical tensions.
Carney tied the decision to an urgent need to overhaul Canada’s aging military infrastructure, noting that only one of the country’s four submarines is currently seaworthy, and that less than half of the maritime fleet and land vehicles are operational. He also pointed to Canada’s over-reliance on the United States for both security and defense equipment, declaring, “We are too reliant on the United States.”
“Only now are we catching up to what readiness truly requires,” Carney said. “Our job is to protect Canadians—not to satisfy NATO accountants—but the truth is, we’ve been underprepared.”
According to recent NATO data, Canada had been spending approximately 1.45% of GDP on defense, well short of the 2% commitment made by all NATO members. Carney’s announcement marks a significant pivot, and it comes just ahead of two major diplomatic events: the G7 summit in Alberta (June 15–17), where U.S. President Donald Trump will attend, and the upcoming NATO summit in Europe.
Trump has repeatedly demanded that allies spend at least 2% of GDP on defense, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that many allies are now preparing to commit even more—up to 5%—in response to global instability, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Carney acknowledged the likelihood of further increases: “We’re meeting the 2% target, which is the NATO baseline today. But we will need to spend more.” He added that decisions on increased spending and timelines would be addressed during the upcoming NATO summit.
The prime minister also announced a sweeping shift in procurement strategy, pledging to reduce Canada’s dependency on U.S. military suppliers. “We should no longer send three-quarters of our defense capital spending to America,” Carney said. He confirmed plans to invest in new submarines, aircraft, ships, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, drones, and Arctic surveillance technology.
The Canadian Coast Guard will also now be formally integrated into Canada’s military defense structure.
In line with his diversification agenda, Carney said Canada is actively discussing joining a European Union-led initiative aimed at reducing dependency on U.S. military exports, including sourcing fighter jets and other advanced defense systems from European manufacturers. Notably, his government is reviewing previously planned purchases of U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets, raising questions about future U.S.-Canada defense contracts.
Carney’s rhetoric marks a notable break from previous Canadian defense postures. In a speech partially delivered in French, he referenced the post-Cold War era, when the U.S. held a near-hegemonic role. “After the Berlin Wall fell, the United States became the global gravitational force. It was irresistible. But that era is over,” he declared.
He continued: “Now, the United States is beginning to monetize its hegemony—charging for market access, scaling back on its commitments to collective security. We must adapt.”
Carney’s remarks come against the backdrop of growing tension with Washington. Trump’s provocative comments suggesting Canada become the ‘51st U.S. state’ have angered Canadian leaders and citizens alike. Carney, who campaigned on a promise to stand up to Trump’s aggression, has now taken a concrete step to distance Canada from U.S. military reliance.
Carney warned of a “new imperialism” threatening global stability, and rejected the notion that geography alone can keep Canada safe in today’s world. “That assumption is increasingly archaic,” he said. “We must be ready—on land, sea, and in the Arctic.”
To that end, the Canadian government is committing an additional $9 billion CAD (US$6.6 billion) in military spending this year alone. Much of the funding will go toward upgrading existing fleets, purchasing next-generation surveillance systems, and improving infrastructure to support Canadian Armed Forces in both domestic and international operations.
Canada’s defense overhaul also aligns with broader global efforts. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, NATO members—including Canada—have ramped up spending on ammunition, troop readiness, and weapons systems. The move to meet and potentially exceed NATO’s 2% guideline reflects both practical needs and geopolitical pressure.
With two major summits on the horizon and a shifting global order, Carney’s decision could mark a turning point in Canada’s defense identity—one where national security no longer hinges primarily on American alliance, but instead embraces multilateral and European cooperation.
Carney Pledges Defense Carney Pledges Defense
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