Canada has started negotiations with the US to be a part of the Golden Dome missile defense system. Canadian PM Mark Carney made the confirmation on Wednesday. The US-led $175 billion program will construct a multi-layered system to shoot down missiles. It would for the first time fire weapons into space as well. PM Carney added that Canada needs to defend itself and that he had had high-level discussions with US President Donald Trump.
Trump accepted Canada’s interest. He stated that the system would be fully functional by 2029. This is a signal to change Canada’s defense strategy with threats from space on the rise and tensions with Russia and China.
A Space-Based Missile Shield
Golden Dome will integrate ground and space assets. It will detect and intercept missiles in the four stages of attack: prior to launch, in early flight, in mid-air, and as they re-enter.
The US will place weapons in space in this plan. Satellites and interceptors will take most of the expense. China and Russia are building faster missiles, the Pentagon claims. They make defense systems like Golden Dome critical.
Carney: Canadians Need Protection
PM Carney described the project “a good idea” for Canadian security. He assured that negotiations with Trump and American officials are ongoing. Trump indicated Canada requested to become a participant and has to pay its “fair share.”
Carney further said, “It’s something we are looking at.” But he emphasized that this is not trade negotiation. “These are military decisions, and we will evaluate it accordingly,” he added.
Worries About Future Missile Threats
PM Mark Carney cautioned against missile attacks from space in the immediate future. He inquired if Canada will confront them alone or alongside the US. Besides, he stated that Canada may be affected by decisions made without consulting it—unless it joins the system officially.
New Tone in Canada-US Relations
Canada and the US cooperate in air defense through NORAD. But Carney stated their days of smooth cooperation are gone. Trump’s statement that Canada is to be the “51st state” outraged many. Carney responded, “We cooperate if necessary, but not necessarily cooperate.”
Canada now needs to decide—remain a bystander or assist in shaping missile defense’s future.
