Canada is reportedly engaging in discussions with the European Union to reduce its dependence on the United States for defense procurement, according to media reports citing a senior Canadian government official.
The talks are said to include the possibility of manufacturing fighter jets within Canada, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to diversify the country’s defense supply chain and strengthen security partnerships with European nations.
This move comes amid concerns over Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for military equipment. Recent trade tensions and economic pressures have prompted Canadian officials to consider greater autonomy in defense procurement.
Defense Minister Bill Blair has reportedly been tasked with reassessing the planned purchase of American-made F-35 fighter jets to explore alternative options. One such alternative is Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, with a proposal that includes assembly and maintenance in Canada.
“This is a significant development. We’ve been in talks to collaborate on defense procurement,” Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was quoted as saying. “I visited Europe recently to ensure we could be part of this partnership. It’s leading to positive developments.” Joly emphasized the importance of diversifying Canada’s military partnerships globally.
While Canada’s agreement with U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin for the F-35 jets remains, reports suggest that Ottawa has only committed funds for the first batch of aircraft, leaving the future of the entire purchase uncertain.
The government’s efforts to expand defense partnerships were highlighted during recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in defense and security matters.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has unveiled a new security strategy encouraging member states to prioritize purchasing military equipment from European suppliers. The policy aims to decrease reliance on U.S. defense manufacturers, offering incentives for member states that allocate a significant portion of their defense procurement to suppliers within the EU.
Historically, EU nations have sourced much of their military equipment from the United States. However, the push for a “Buy European” approach has gained momentum as Europe seeks to bolster its own defense capabilities.
The shifting dynamics reflect a global reevaluation of defense alliances and procurement strategies, with countries like Canada and EU members looking to strengthen their industries and reduce dependence on traditional partners.
