Canada, like Europe, seeks to break U.S. defense dependency

"The truth is, over the last few decades, Canada has neither spent enough on our defense nor invested enough in our defense industries. We have relied too heavily on our geography and others to protect us."

"The blueprint and posturing around it send a message to the defense primes, that they are not going to rely on American firms anymore. While they're not arming against the United States, they are arming toward their own defense. It's not an aggressive move - but it is a smart de-risking move."

"The strategy pledges to increase the share of defense acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70%, boost defense exports by 50% and create 125,000 new jobs across the country's economy."

Canadian public trust in the U.S. has significantly declined, with only 9% viewing it as a trustworthy ally. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a major defense strategy to double defense expenditures by decade's end, increase Canadian firm acquisitions to 70%, boost defense exports by 50%, and create 125,000 jobs. This reflects decades of underinvestment in Canadian defense and over-reliance on geographic protection and American security. The strategy represents a de-risking move toward autonomous defense rather than aggression. Recent initiatives include collaboration with Australia on radar projects and debates over fighter jet acquisitions. However, Canadian security remains fundamentally linked to U.S. cooperation through shared defense arrangements.

Read at Axios