Toronto, June 9, 2025 - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will increase its military spending to meet the NATO target of 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) this year, five years ahead of schedule. This decision comes in response to evolving global security threats.
Carney cited the changing policies of the United States and the growing military presence of Russia and China as key factors driving the need for increased defense spending. Canada will invest in new submarines, aircraft, ships, armored vehicles, and artillery, as well as new radar and sensors to monitor the seabed and the Arctic.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada is facing multiplying threats to its security and sovereignty, including those from Russia and China. NATO announced in April that 22 of its 32 members had reached the 2% spending target. European countries have increased their military budgets since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.