TORONTO (AP) – On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Kearney announced that his government is in discussions with the US regarding participation in President Donald Trump’s forthcoming Golden Dome Missile Defense Program.
Described as a multilayered defense system, the $175 billion initiative aims to position weapons in space for the first time. Trump noted the previous day his hopes that the system will operate flawlessly by the close of his term in 2029.
“Is it a wise move for Canada? Absolutely, it’s advantageous for Canadians to have protection,” Carney stated.
Carney confirmed ongoing discussions with Trump and mentioned consultations with senior officials. Trump indicated that the Canadian government expressed a desire to connect with his administration to join the program and suggested that he would collaborate with Ottawa to ensure a “fair share” contribution.
Golden Dome is designed to integrate ground and space-based capabilities to detect and neutralize missiles across all significant phases of a potential attack: pre-launch detection and destruction, early flight interception, mid-air neutralization, and final moments before reaching the target.
“It’s an initiative we are monitoring, and it has been addressed at a high level,” Carney remarked. “However, I’m uncertain if I will engage in negotiations. Decisions of this nature are military considerations and will be assessed accordingly.”
Kearney cautioned that Canada might face a missile threat from space in the “not too distant” future.
“Will Canada pursue this independently or alongside the US? There are ongoing debates that may impact Canada regarding Golden Dome, but Canada currently isn’t involved in them,” Carney noted.
For years, the Pentagon has cautioned that the advanced missiles being developed by China and Russia necessitate updated defensive measures. The satellites and interceptors added to Golden Dome will focus on early or mid-flight interceptions of these advanced missiles, with a significant portion of the program’s costs attributed to this capability.
Canada and the US partner under the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which oversees airspace defense collaboration between the two nations.
The newly elected Carney remarked that, after months of experience, the previously established relationship with the US has evolved into a deeper integration. Trump angered Canadians by suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state.
“We will collaborate when necessary, but that doesn’t mean we will always work together,” Carney concluded.
Source: apnews.com