Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada potentially joining the proposed Golden Dome missile defense program. This program, expected to cost $175 billion, aims to establish a multilayered defense system that includes space-based weapons to intercept missiles at various stages of flight. Trump anticipates full operational capability by 2029.
Carney stated that Canada is evaluating its involvement, emphasizing the need for national security protections. He acknowledged ongoing high-level discussions but suggested that these are primarily military decisions rather than negotiable terms. The Pentagon has previously warned about advanced missile threats from China and Russia, reinforcing the necessity of updated defenses.
Canada and the U.S. already cooperate through NORAD, but Carney has expressed skepticism about deeper integration, citing Trump’s controversial suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Despite this, Canada continues to assess its strategic position regarding missile defense and its partnership with the U.S.