Canada invests billions in Arctic radar for sovereignty boost

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 enhancing investments in both military and civilian areas in the Arctic, highlighting its sovereignty over this territory.

During a press conference in Iqaluit, the capital of the Nunavut territory, Carney emphasized that "Arctic sovereignty is a strategic priority of our government." He added that Canada intends to protect its territories in the northern part of the country while also looking to capitalize on the development potential of these areas.

The federal government will allocate over 4.4 billion US dollars to the long-range radar system construction project. This construction will be financed from a 29.3 billion US dollar budget for NORAD modernization (North American Aerospace Defense Command), announced in 2022. Concurrently, 193 million US dollars will be spent on civilian infrastructure in the Arctic, including energy and housing, and 320 million USD on defense and increased military presence.

Carney mentioned that earlier on Tuesday, he confirmed in a conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the intentions for a joint radar system project. He explained that after preparations that have been ongoing for some time, decisions are now being made quickly.

Albanese wrote on platform X that both leaders confirmed "Australia and Canada’s deep friendship and our commitment to a world where all countries can cooperate, trade and thrive," and he announced further strengthening of cooperation between the two nations.

NORAD is an organization established by the USA and Canada in 1958. Its aim is to protect the airspace over North America and deal with threats like cyber threats. The chief of command is jointly appointed by the US President and the Canadian Prime Minister, with Canada covering 40% of the expenses. Carney emphasized that the construction of the radar system will strengthen Canada's capabilities within NORAD while ensuring that Canada remains in control of its own territory.

He noted that the global situation is changing and "our adversaries are increasingly emboldened," and the values upheld by Canada will be challenged, with changes also happening in the USA. However, "Canada is and forever will be an Arctic nation," Carney stressed.

Responding to journalists' questions about the USA's plans concerning the Arctic and the questioning of Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, which may become navigable due to climate change, Carney emphasized that the Northwest Passage is Canadian waters, and the government must take steps to strengthen sovereignty there.

Asked about an upcoming conversation with President Donald Trump, Carney said that Canada talks with the USA as two independent countries, highlighting the alignment of many goals, from solving the fentanyl problem to ensuring job returns.

However, when pressed about the "more positive" tone of his statements regarding the USA and the potential reduction of retaliatory tariffs, Carney said that he wouldn’t necessarily describe it that way. "Canada is strong and will become even stronger," he added, emphasizing that the country can offer itself much more "than other countries would like to take from it." He described Canada's position in the talks as a "position of strength."

The Canadian Arctic comprises about 40% of Canada's entire territory, and more than 70% of Canada's coastline runs through it. As stated by Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Canadian identity has been largely shaped by the Arctic. He also noted the close ties between the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, which belongs to Denmark.