Canada strengthens Arctic defense with joint radar investment

Both Canada and Australia will invest in the radar system in the Arctic, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced. According to him, Canada is boosting investments in both military and civilian aspects of the Arctic to assert its sovereignty over the region.

During a press conference in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, Carney emphasized that "Arctic sovereignty is a strategic priority of our government." He added that Canada aims to protect its northern territories while also seeking to harness the developmental potential of these areas.

The federal government will allocate over 6 billion CAD for the construction of a long-range radar system. This project will be funded from the CAD 40 billion budget set aside for the modernization of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), announced in 2022. Additionally, 253 million CAD will be spent on civilian infrastructure in the Arctic, including energy and housing, and 420 million CAD on defence and increased military presence.

Carney stated that he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had confirmed, earlier on Tuesday, their intentions for the joint radar system project. He explained that after preparations have been underway for some time, decisions are now being swiftly made.

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

NORAD is an organization founded by the USA and Canada in 1958, with the goal of protecting North America's airspace. It also addresses challenges such as cyber threats. The head of the command is jointly appointed by the President of the USA and the Prime Minister of Canada, with Canada covering 40% of the costs. Carney emphasized that building the radar system will strengthen Canada's capabilities within NORAD, while also asserting that Canada remains in control of its own territory.

Carney noted that the global situation is changing, with "our adversaries are increasingly emboldened", and that Canadian values are being questioned. The situation in the USA is evolving as well. Nevertheless, "Canada is and forever will be a country of the Arctic nation", Carney stressed.

In response to journalists' questions about the USA’s plans concerning the Arctic and the challenges to Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, Carney reiterated that the Northwest Passage is Canadian waters, and the government must take steps to strengthen sovereignty there.

When asked about a future conversation with President Donald Trump, Carney mentioned that Canada talks with the USA as two independent countries, citing a convergence of goals, such as combating the fentanyl problem and ensuring jobs return home.

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

The Canadian Arctic makes up about 40% of Canada's territory, with over 70% of the country's coastline running through it. As Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok emphasized, Canadian identity has been significantly shaped by the Arctic. He also highlighted the close ties between the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, which is part of Denmark.