Canada is currently working to demonstrate its ability to protect its vast and sparsely populated Arctic territory, which encompasses nearly 4 million square kilometers.
This massive region, larger than continental Europe, is inhabited by a population roughly the size of a mid-sized city, making it difficult to monitor and secure.
Currently, the defense of this landmass depends on an aging network of early warning radars and a small contingent of about 100 Coast Guard personnel tasked with patrolling 162,000km of coastline.
The Arctic has become a focal point for global competition, with Russia and the United States bordering the North Pole and China declaring itself a near Arctic state as it expands its naval presence.
Security concerns have intensified due to the development of hypersonic missiles that travel at more than five times the speed of sound.
Experts warn that existing ground-based radar systems, designed for Cold War-era threats, offer zero percent protection against these modern weapons.
This technological shift has necessitated a complete reevaluation of the North American defense system, including a move toward space-based sensors and over-the-horizon radar.
Tensions between Ottawa and Washington have grown alongside the Trump administration’s interest in Greenland and its push for American dominance in Arctic waterways.
Relations were further strained when Donald Trump suggested that Canada pay 61 billion dollars to participate in the Golden Dome missile defense system or, alternatively, become the 51st US state to receive coverage for free.
While Canadian officials have dismissed the idea of annexation and compared the financial demands to a protection racket, they are taking the threat of US economic pressures and tariffs very seriously.
In response to these challenges, Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to increase the number of military personnel in the north. Canada is also planning a significant increase in defense spending, aiming to reach 5 percent of its GDP by 2035. These investments are intended for new submarines, specialized aircraft, and advanced radar systems to secure shared security and prosperity goals in the region. Despite the antagonistic political rhetoric between the two nations, military experts indicate that practical, on-the-ground cooperation between the US and Canada remains a global standard.
