Canada turns to Europe for its security

Canada's PM Mark Carney pledged to raise defence spending from 1.5% of GDP in 2024 to 4% within two years.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) was chosen as preferred bidder to supply the Royal Canadian Navy with up to 12 diesel-electric submarines, with first four deliveries by 2034.

The submarine deal is Canada's biggest defence purchase, with costs exceeding C$100bn including maintenance.

The procurement was accelerated by the new Defence Investment Agency, set up seven months after Carney took office.

The shift towards European defence ties comes as the US, historically Canada's closest ally, has become unreliable and hostile.