Tatale(Group 10)

 Canada to Hit NATO Defense Spending Target Early, Cuts Reliance on U.S.

By Owusu Diana

Broadcast Journalism Student, UNIMAC – Institute of Journalism

June 15, 2025

Ottawa, Canada – Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP by the end of this fiscal year, five years ahead of schedule. The United States has welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step toward greater defense cooperation among NATO allies.

Carney revealed a bold plan to inject C$9 billion (approximately US$6.6 billion) into Canada’s military. The funds will go toward recruiting personnel, fixing and modernizing outdated equipment, and purchasing new submarines, drones, surveillance technology, and land and air vehicles.

“Canada has for too long relied heavily on the United States,” said Carney. “It’s time we built a modern, sovereign defense capability that reflects our global responsibilities and our northern geography.”

The announcement comes just days before Canada hosts the G7 Summit in Alberta (June 15–17), and ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague (June 24–25). NATO is expected to discuss raising its overall defense spending guidelines—possibly up to 5% of GDP, including targets for national resilience and infrastructure.

Canada’s military capacity has long been under strain. At present, only one of its four submarines is operational, and less than half of its military vehicles are in active use. The new funding will help address these weaknesses and boost readiness, particularly in Arctic regions.

Carney also signaled a shift in procurement policy. Canada will reduce its dependency on American-made military equipment and look more toward domestic and European suppliers. That includes reconsidering its acquisition of the U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets.

The Biden administration has praised the move. Canada has often been criticized for falling short of NATO’s defense spending goals. By reaching the 2% benchmark this year, Canada is demonstrating renewed commitment to the alliance and its collective defense responsibilities.

Additionally, Carney hinted that Canada may exceed the 2% target in the coming years, especially if NATO adjusts its expectations. Canada is also aligning itself more closely with the ReArm Europe initiative, which aims to strengthen defense industry cooperation across the EU and its partners.

This marks a turning point in Canada’s defense policy—one that reflects a strategic shift toward modernization, independence, and stronger global leadership.