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Carney said Canada has outdated equipment, with only one of its four submarines in working order and less than half of its maritime and land vehicles operational. "We are too reliant on the United States," he said, pledging investments in new submarines, planes, ships, and artillery, plus innovative surveillance tools and capabilities, such as undersea sensors and drones, radar, and more. Canada will stop directing 75% of defense capital spending to the U.S. and focus instead on diversification and enhancing its defense relationship with the European Union.
Current negotiations on potential new initiatives in the EU and potential suspension of the procurement of F-35 fighter jets made in the U.S.. Carney also indicated that the United States has "lost the Soviet enemy" and has become an "imperialist empire.". Canada's decision comes four weeks before a NATO summit meeting in Europe and the G7 summit in Alberta on June 15-17, which will feature U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney said NATO and G7 leaders will also discuss higher spending after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggested that 2% of GDP would not be enough. The Canadian government is increasing defense spending by $9 billion this year, and the Canadian Coast Guard falls under the military chain of command from today. Carney warned Canada was susceptible to "a new imperialism" and insisted that geography alone could no longer keep Canada safe.
