Canada Expands Military Amid Trump Tensions

Canada is rapidly expanding its military capabilities through higher defense spending and major arms purchases amid growing trade and geopolitical tensions with the administration of US President Donald Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Last year, Ottawa met NATO's defense spending target of 2% of GDP ahead of schedule, while military recruitment reached its highest level in 30 years. The government has also announced plans to purchase up to 12 new submarines as part of a broader military modernization program.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada must strengthen its defense capabilities to protect its sovereignty and support its allies in an increasingly uncertain global environment. His government has pledged to increase defense spending to NATO's new target of 5% of GDP by 2035.

Alongside boosting military investment, Ottawa is diversifying its defense suppliers beyond the United States. Canada has joined Europe's joint defense procurement framework, is in talks with Sweden's Saab over surveillance aircraft, and recently signed a US$1.76 billion agreement with Australia for a long-range Arctic radar system.