Achieving the goal five years ahead in this fiscal year…Reducing dependence on the U.S. and strengthening own capabilities
Prime Minister Carney: “New imperialism is a threat…It’s time to act decisively”,
‘(New York = Yonhap News) Correspondent Lee Ji-heon = Canada, which has been under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for mergers, has decided to significantly increase its defense budget in an effort to reduce its security dependence on the United States.’,
‘Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on the 9th (local time) in the defense and security strategy announcement that the defense spending goal, which aims to raise the defense budget to 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is expected to be achieved within this fiscal year.’,
‘The current fiscal year for the Canadian government runs from last April to the end of March next year.’,
‘The increased defense budget will include expenses for new military equipment such as submarines, aircraft, ships, armored vehicles, and artillery, as well as an increase in military salaries, according to Prime Minister Carney.’,
‘Additionally, Canada plans to introduce radar, drones, and sensor equipment for monitoring underwater and Arctic regions.’,
‘In his speech, Prime Minister Carney stressed that Canada stands at a turning point in history and that “now is the time to act with urgency, strength, and determination.”‘,
‘He stated, “Emerging powers are now strategically competing with the United States, and new imperialism is posing a threat,” adding, “Middle powers, knowing they could end up on the ‘menu’ if they don’t have a seat at the negotiating table, are competing over interests and engagement.”‘,
‘Prime Minister Carney also emphasized that an increase in defense spending would create opportunities for Canadian businesses across the defense sector and related supply chains, strengthening Canada.’,
‘In particular, Canada has been paying approximately three-quarters of its defense spending to the United States for weapon purchases, and Prime Minister Carney expressed the need to reduce this.’,
‘Furthermore, Prime Minister Carney has previously unveiled plans to reduce defense dependence on the U.S. while enhancing Canada’s own security capabilities and strengthening security cooperation with European NATO allies.’,
‘Currently, Canada’s defense spending as a percentage of GDP is about 1.4%, significantly lower than the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) guideline of 2% of GDP for defense expenditures.’,
‘With the announcement of this defense budget increase, Canada will achieve its defense spending target five years earlier than previously planned.’,
‘The previous government, led by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had promised to achieve the target of 2% of GDP in defense spending by 2032, and Prime Minister Carney pledged during the last election to achieve this goal by 2030.’,