Canada Inks Historic Submarine Deal, Boosts NATO Spending Amid Global Tensions
Canada Inks Historic Submarine Deal, Boosts NATO Spending Amid Global Tensions
Canada just made its largest defence deal ever, buying 12 German submarines! PM Mark Carney aims to protect Arctic interests & meet NATO targets in a "dangerous world."
Canada has announced the largest defence procurement deal in its history, choosing German defence company TKMS to build its new fleet of 12 submarines. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the landmark announcement on Monday, just ahead of his departure for a major NATO summit in Turkey, where member nations are expected to face renewed calls to increase defence spending.
This multi-billion dollar contract is a significant step in bolstering Canada's military capabilities. Carney emphasized the necessity of this investment in what he described as a "dangerous and divided world." He stated that Canada must be prepared to defend its interests, protect its citizens, build its economy, and secure its future. The government highlighted that currently, only one in four of Canada's existing submarines is seaworthy, underscoring the urgent need for modernization.
The deal comes as Canada, possessing the world's longest coastline, faces growing concerns over climate change affecting Arctic waters. The warming of these waters potentially opens new fronts for adversaries, making a robust maritime defence crucial for national sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic region. Prime Minister Carney's administration has already increased Canada's defence spending to 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since taking office, with a firm commitment to reach 5% by 2035.
While the exact cost of the deal has not been disclosed, negotiations with TKMS, the world's largest non-nuclear submarine manufacturer, are set to begin and could span several months. TKMS was selected over South Korea's Hanwha Ocean shipbuilding company in a competitive bidding process. Carney also underscored that this project extends beyond simply acquiring vessels; it aims to build Canadian industrial capacity, contributing to the nation's economic growth and technological advancement.
The timing of the announcement is particularly pertinent, as NATO allies, including Canada, have been under pressure from figures like US President Donald Trump to increase their defence contributions. This procurement is a clear signal of Canada's commitment to its NATO obligations and its proactive approach to strengthening its military posture on the global stage.
#CanadaDefence #NATOSpending #ArcticSecurity #CanadaSubmarines2024
