Stuck between the US and Russia, Canada must prove it can defend its Arctic territory

January 24, 2026

Canada's vast Arctic territory—nearly 4 million square kilometers with minimal population—faces mounting security challenges as geopolitical competition intensifies among Russia, China, and the United States. The region is currently defended by outdated radar systems and limited military infrastructure ill-equipped to counter modern threats like hypersonic missiles, which existing defense systems cannot intercept. In response to pressure from the Trump administration and concerns about American tariffs, Canada has committed to significantly increasing defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035, with investments focused on new radar systems, submarines, and aircraft.

Who is affected

Canada and its approximately 100,000 Arctic residents
The United States and its northern security interests
NATO allies concerned about Arctic defense
Russia, as an Arctic nation and potential adversary
China, which has declared itself a "near Arctic state"
Denmark/Greenland, targeted by Trump administration acquisition efforts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government
Former President Donald Trump and his administration
Canadian military personnel stationed at eight Arctic bases and Coast Guard personnel
Pierre Leblanc, former commander of Canadian Forces Northern Area
Troy Bouffard, director of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience
Michael Byers, Arctic security expert at University of British Columbia
Bob Rae, Canada's ambassador to the UN

What action is being taken

Canada is investing in radar systems, submarines, aircraft, and additional personnel in the Arctic region
Canada is increasing defense expenditure from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035
The Canadian government is working to reassure the US and NATO allies about regional protection
US and Canadian military practitioners are continuing on-the-ground cooperation in the Arctic
The Trump administration is pursuing its Golden Dome missile defense system project
Experts and officials are re-examining the entire North American defense system in light of hypersonic missile threats

Why it matters

The Arctic represents a critical security frontier where outdated Cold War-era defense infrastructure is completely inadequate against modern threats, particularly hypersonic missiles that travel at ten times the speed of sound and cannot be intercepted by current systems. This vulnerability affects not just Canada but North American continental defense as a whole, as the Arctic serves as a potential pathway for attacks from adversaries like Russia and China. The situation has broader geopolitical implications, as economic pressure from the United States—including threatened tariffs—is compelling Canada to prioritize Arctic defense investments, demonstrating how security concerns can be leveraged to influence allied nations' defense policies. The region's strategic importance is amplified by increasing accessibility due to climate change and growing interest from major powers seeking to establish presence and control over Arctic resources and shipping routes.

What's next

Canada plans to complete its defense spending increase to 5% of GDP by 2035
Negotiations are ongoing regarding Canada's potential role in Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system
Over-the-horizon radar technology and space-based sensors will continue to be developed and deployed
The entire North American defense system requires re-evaluation and modernization to address hypersonic missile threats

Read full article from source: BBC