Move FM Australian News

Ottawa must bolster its military capabilities in the Arctic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says

Canada unveiled an updated defense policy document on Monday, envisioning a massive spending program for the coming years. Ottawa plans to invest nearly $6 billion over the next five years, and more than $53 billion over the next two decades.

While the program still falls behind the 2% of GDP defense spending goal, met by less than half of NATO member states, the Canadian government touted it as a “significant step” towards fulfilling the commitment.

The document unveiled by Ottawa, titled ‘Our North, Strong and Free,’ signals that the country is seeking to take a stronger posture in the Arctic, with the construction of new military facilities in the north, as well as bolstering maritime and aerial capabilities.

“We will explore options for renewing and expanding our submarine fleet to enable the Royal Canadian Navy to project a persistent deterrent on all three coasts, with under-ice capable, conventionally powered submarines,” the document reads.

During a press conference to present the new defense policy, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested the country could also consider procuring nuclear submarines.

“That is certainly what we will be looking at, what type of submarines are appropriate for Canada’s responsibilities in protecting the longest coastline in the world and the longest Arctic coastline in the world,” he said while responding to a question about the option to get non-conventional vessels.

The prime minister also praised growing cooperation with the US-led AUKUS bloc, welcoming the prospects of Japan joining it. The military partnership, established in late 2021, involves the US and the UK assisting Australia in procuring a nuclear submarine fleet.

“We have had excellent conversations with both the US, the UK and Australia as to how we can work even closer. It’s good news that both Canada and New Zealand are going to be joined by Japan and that is engaging more closely in AUKUS conversations,” Trudeau stated.

(RT.com)