Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the country is preparing for the possibility of U.S. military action against Canada. Amid increasing trade and security tensions during President Donald Trump's second term, Canada is also pursuing ways to reduce its defense and industrial dependence on the United States.
In an interview published on September 23, Carney responded to a question about whether he takes Trump's comment about Canada being the '51st state' seriously, indicating that the possibility of U.S.-led military action has been considered.
Carney noted, "For someone in this position, the likelihood is low, but if it were to materialize, it would pose a significant 'tail risk' that must be assessed. While it is not the basic scenario, failing to prepare would be irresponsible." However, he did not disclose specific details about the preparations.
To reduce reliance on the U.S., Carney suggested diversifying sources for satellite communications and fighter jet procurement. He acknowledged that the performance of alternative networks to SpaceX's Starlink is still insufficient but expressed a commitment to pursue diversification.
Canada is also reviewing its plan to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, considering alternatives such as the Swedish Saab Gripen to lower its dependence on American-made weapons. According to Reuters, the Canadian government has not yet finalized its decision on additional F-35 purchases.
Carney emphasized that expanding cooperation with other partners, including Europe and South Korea, could help achieve economies of scale in defense and reduce reliance on the U.S.
Recently, Canada has strengthened its cooperation with Europe in defense, energy, and critical minerals. Last week, it discussed expanding security and industrial cooperation with the European Union and applied to join a UK-led rapid response military cooperation initiative.
However, Carney left the door open for potential trade negotiations with the U.S., stating that there is room to establish mutually beneficial trade agreements, noting that Canada could leverage its supply of potassium and other resources in negotiations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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