Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced C$32 billion ($23.5 billion) in defence upgrades for Canada’s northern bases, strengthening military capabilities in the Arctic. The move follows US criticism of Canada’s vulnerabilities in the region.
The funding, part of ongoing NORAD modernisation, will be spent over the next decade to enhance airfields, fuel facilities, and ammunition storage at four northern bases. Carney said the investment “will enable the Canadian Armed Forces to defend the Arctic without the help of allies.”
Key developments:
• New military operational support centres to open in Whitehorse, Resolute, Cambridge Bay, and Rankin Inlet, designed to support remote operations and store fighter jets like the F-35 or potentially Saab Gripen.
• Canada reviewing its F-35 contract with Lockheed Martin and exploring partial replacement with Swedish jets.
• Infrastructure projects, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Grays Bay deep-water port, submitted to the Major Projects Office for approval and financing.
• Airport upgrades in Rankin Inlet and Inuvik to accommodate larger aircraft.
Carney emphasised Canada’s commitment to self-reliant Arctic defence: “We will no longer rely on others to defend our Arctic security or to fuel our economy.”
ℹ️ Bloomberg
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