IQALUIT, Nunavut — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled plans to bolster Canada’s presence in the Arctic, marked by the acquisition of a radar system and an enhancement of military operations in the region. During a visit to Canada’s far north, aimed at reinforcing sovereignty in an area becoming increasingly contested, Carney shared that the nation will be purchasing the Over-the-Horizon Radar system from Australia for Canadian $6 billion ($4.2 billion). The radar will offer early warning coverage extending from the Canadian-U.S. border into the Arctic.
Announcing this significant military investment at a Nunavut military base, Carney emphasized Canada’s enduring commitment to Arctic sovereignty. “Arctic sovereignty is a strategic priority of our government,” Carney stated, further declaring that, “Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation.”
Australia’s contribution to this initiative involves a radar setup featuring a series of pillars stretching nearly a mile in length. Canadian officials noted that this system requires less space compared to the American equivalent. This purchase is seen as a potential significant export opportunity for Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the deal potentially transformative, particularly in the face of unique geopolitical challenges emerging between Canada and the United States.
Senior Canadian officials, briefing reporters during Carney’s flight before the announcement, indicated that military leadership within the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) have welcomed the purchase. However, it’s uncertain how this move will be politically perceived in Washington, with sources declining to disclose such specifics publicly.
Alongside this radar acquisition, Canada commits Canadian $420 million ($294 million) to expand Arctic operations, heighten training exercises, and increase personnel deployment, aiming for a more pronounced and lasting year-round presence in the region.
During his route over Greenland, Carney acknowledged shifting U.S. policies which previously closely resonated with Canadian interests. These comments were framed in reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, alongside other foreign policy assertions deemed aggressive under his “America First” banner.
Particularly contentious has been Trump’s rhetoric on Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state and threats of imposing economic pressure to facilitate such an outcome. While this has soured political relations, it has notably reinvigorated Carney’s Liberal party’s electoral prospects.
Even as Trump’s administration enforces tariffs on Canadian products like steel and aluminum, Carney remains open to diplomatic discussions with the United States at an “appropriate time” to promote multifaceted cooperation between the nations.
Despite tensions, the U.S. President has consistently voiced disregard for Canadian political dynamics, making dismissive remarks about both the Liberal leadership and its Conservative opposition.
Prime Minister Carney’s visit also underscored the strategic significance of Iqaluit, Nunavut’s largest municipality with around 7,500 inhabitants and notable for its isolation and harsh climate. This part of Canada, inhabited predominantly by the Inuit population, plays a critical role in global discussions about trade and security, further highlighted by shifting international tensions and environmental changes influencing the strategic landscape of the Arctic.
These developments point to a pivotal time for Canada as it seeks to assert its interests and solidify its sovereignty over a region gaining geopolitical prominence.
