Canada bolsters Arctic defense with $4.5b radar project
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the world is changing, but Canada is and always will be an Arctic country. Canada is increasing military investments in the Arctic, allocating more than 4.5 billion U.S. dollars for a project to build a long-range radar system.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada and Australia will invest in a long-range radar system in the Arctic. According to him, Canada is boosting investments in the Arctic, both military and civilian, to emphasize its sovereignty over this territory.
During a press conference in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut territory, Carney said, "We must invest in Canada's north to defend our sovereignty." He added that Canada intends to protect its northern territories while also aiming to exploit their developmental potential.
The federal government will allocate more than 4.5 billion U.S. dollars to construct a long-range radar system. This project will be funded from the 30 billion U.S. dollars budget announced in 2022 for modernizing NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). Simultaneously, 191 million U.S. dollars will be devoted to civilian infrastructure in the Arctic, including energy and housing, and 318 million USD to defense and increased military presence.
Collaboration with Australia
During a conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Carney added that he had confirmed intentions for the joint radar system project earlier on Tuesday. He explained that after some preparations, decisions are now being made quickly.
Albanese wrote on platform X that both leaders reaffirmed "Australia and Canada’s deep friendship and our commitment to a world where all countries can cooperate, trade and thrive." He also announced further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.
NORAD is an organization created by the USA and Canada in 1958. Its purpose is to protect North America's airspace and address cyber threats. The head of the command is jointly appointed by the U.S. President and the Canadian Prime Minister, and Canada covers 40 percent of the expenses. Carney emphasized that constructing the radar system will enhance Canada's capabilities within NORAD while ensuring that "Canada controls its own home."
Canada is and always will be an Arctic country
He noted that the world situation is changing, and "our adversaries feel emboldened," while the values upheld by Canada will be challenged. The situation in the USA is also evolving. However, Carney emphasized, "Canada is an Arctic nation — and we can never take our Northern sovereignty and security for granted. "
In response to journalists' questions about the USA's plans for the Arctic and the questioning of Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, which may become favorable for navigation due to climate change, Carney stressed that the Northwest Passage is Canadian waters, and the steps must be taken to strengthen sovereignty there.
When asked about a future conversation with President Donald Trump, Carney said that Canada talks with the USA "as two sovereign countries" and noted shared goals, from tackling the fentanyl issue to ensuring job creation and restoring employment.
When asked about the perceived shift toward a more favorable stance on the USA and the possibility of reducing retaliatory tariffs, Carney distanced himself from that interpretation, suggesting he would not describe it in those terms. He emphasized that Canada is at its strongest when united and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the country. According to him, Canada has much to offer beyond what other nations might seek to take. He also characterized Canada's approach in these discussions as one of strength.
The Canadian Arctic comprises about 40 percent of Canada's territory and over 70 percent of its coastline. As Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok highlighted, the Arctic has mainly shaped Canadian identity. He also noted the close ties between Canada's Arctic and Danish-owned Greenland.
