Prime Minister Carney will announce a significant increase in Canadian defence spending, enabling the country to meet NATO’s 2-percent GDP target this fiscal year—years ahead of previous projections. This substantial investment, exceeding previously anticipated sums, will include modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces, bolstering Arctic surveillance capabilities, and accelerating military equipment procurement. The plan addresses criticisms of insufficient defence spending, particularly in light of global threats and aligns with Canada’s commitment to NATO. Further details, including specific dollar figures, will be released on Monday.
Read More
The UK government’s strategic defense review, released June 2nd, paints a grim picture of escalating global threats, highlighting Russia as an immediate danger and China as a persistent challenge. The review, which cites Iran and North Korea as further destabilizing factors, calls for increased defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, rising to 3% thereafter, to address emerging technological warfare and bolster the significantly reduced British army. This increased funding, potentially exceeding £50 billion, aims to counter threats posed by advanced technologies like drones and AI, alongside traditional military challenges. The review’s recommendations underscore a new era of complex security threats necessitating substantial military modernization.
Read More
Three South Korean companies, with government backing, submitted a multibillion-dollar proposal to Canada to modernize its military. The proposal includes a $20-24 billion plan to replace Canada’s aging submarines by 2035, exceeding the current timeline. Additional proposals, exceeding $1 billion, offer artillery and armored vehicles, alongside the establishment of Canadian maintenance and potentially manufacturing facilities. This unsolicited bid represents a significant effort to secure Canadian military contracts, presenting a quicker alternative to traditional U.S. and European suppliers amid concerns about procurement timelines and capacity. The proposal emphasizes a long-term partnership focused on bolstering Canada’s defence industrial base.
Read More
The New Zealand government has announced a $12 billion investment in its Defence Force over the next four years, increasing defence spending to over 2% of GDP within eight years. This funding includes replacing aging aircraft, upgrading naval vessels, and procuring new helicopters to enhance surveillance and humanitarian capabilities. While $50-100 million is allocated for personnel, the plan focuses on enhancing combat capabilities through missile upgrades and exploring land-based strike options. The government will review the plan biennially, emphasizing that this investment represents a minimum commitment.
Read More
NATO is reportedly planning to request a substantial increase in military capacity from its European members and Canada – a 30% boost, to be precise. This significant ask underscores a growing sense of urgency regarding global security and the need for a strengthened collective defense. The impetus for this request is clear: the current geopolitical landscape demands a more robust response to potential threats.
This proposed increase in military spending isn’t just about throwing money at the problem; it’s about strategic investment and modernization. Modernizing existing equipment is crucial, prioritizing cutting-edge technology such as advanced radar systems. But it also necessitates a considerable investment in new capabilities, ensuring that equipment is fit for purpose in the current conflict environment.… Continue reading
Canada and Australia will partner on a long-range radar system to enhance Arctic surveillance, addressing threats from China and Russia. This initiative coincides with a Canadian commitment to increase military presence in the Arctic. Furthermore, $253 million in funding is dedicated to Indigenous reconciliation in the North, focusing on infrastructure improvements like power plant upgrades and renewable energy projects. These combined efforts aim to bolster national security and improve living conditions in Canada’s northern territories.
Read More
A South Korean delegation recently visited Ottawa to discuss potential defense equipment sales with the Canadian government, highlighting the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer as a key offering for Canada’s Indirect Fires Modernisation program. This visit signifies a potential shift away from traditional American suppliers due to strained US-Canada relations. The K9’s advanced capabilities, NATO compatibility, and proven performance in extreme cold weather make it a strong contender, offering Canada a path to modernizing its artillery and diversifying its defense partnerships. This could deepen bilateral defense cooperation between Canada and South Korea, potentially leading to further sales of advanced defense equipment.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood