Imagine a world where countries aren’t bound by traditional alliances when it comes to defense spending. Canada is considering a drastic shift in its military procurement strategy, looking to reduce its dependence on the United States. High-ranking officials have confirmed that talks are underway with the European Union to explore cooperation in defense equipment purchases.
At the heart of this move is a desire to diversify Canada’s military assets. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been vocal about spreading risk in the country’s defense acquisitions, following concerns over its heavy reliance on US military equipment. This approach is already influencing key decisions, such as the potential revision of plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US. Instead, Canada might opt for alternatives like the Saab Gripen from Sweden, which could be assembled and maintained domestically.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the importance of this initiative in a CBC interview, “We’ve been negotiating defense procurement cooperation for some time. Last month, I traveled to Europe to push for our participation… and it seems we’re getting positive news.” This development comes as Canada has only approved funding for 16 F-35s, far short of its original goal of 88, despite having a contract with Lockheed Martin, a major US defense contractor.
The EU is also ramping up its military capabilities, with the European Commission unveiling its “Readiness 2030” strategy. The plan calls on member states to purchase at least 65% of their defense equipment from European producers, including partners like Norway and Ukraine, to reduce dependence on US manufacturers. This “Buy European” trend is gaining momentum, reflecting a broader shift in global defense dynamics. As the EU and Canada navigate these changes, one thing is clear: the future of defense procurement will be shaped by a complex web of international cooperation and strategic alliances.