Canada in talks to join Golden Dome defence system as high-level negotiations with the US intensify. Prime Minister Markey Carney confirmed ongoing discussions with the Trump administration about participating in the ambitious missile defence project.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced the “Golden Dome” system. The defence initiative aims to intercept future aerial threats, including hypersonic missiles and orbital attacks. Trump claimed Canada had shown interest in joining the effort.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Carney said talks were serious. He stopped short of naming a cost, saying military partnerships should not be negotiated publicly. However, he admitted that Canada could complete the project through strategic investment and cooperation.
“We have the ability to contribute,” Carney said. “But these are defence decisions, and we will evaluate carefully.”
The initial US estimate for the project was $25 billion. However, Trump later stated the cost could reach $175 billion. The Congressional Budget Office gave an even higher projection—$542 billion over 20 years for space-based components alone.
Despite the unclear financial commitment, Canada in talks to join Golden Dome defence system reflects growing bilateral defence engagement. The talks are unfolding during broader negotiations on trade and security between Ottawa and Washington.
Trump previously threatened heavy tariffs on Canadian exports. He even suggested Canada would benefit more as a US state. These statements stirred nationalist sentiment across Canada and helped secure a strong electoral win for Carney’s Liberal government.
Audrey Champoux, Carney’s spokeswoman, said the prime minister had a clear mandate to redefine US-Canada relations. She confirmed the Golden Dome was included in ongoing security discussions, alongside efforts to modernize Norad.
Norad, a joint aerospace and maritime defence pact between the two nations, has existed since 1958. It already provides cruise missile surveillance and interception for North America.
Trump stated the Golden Dome would build on that foundation, using thousands of satellites and orbital interceptors. He said the system would protect against threats from anywhere on Earth—or from space itself.
He drew comparisons to Israel’s Iron Dome, which has intercepted incoming missiles since 2011. Still, experts remain skeptical. Analysts question whether a US version is feasible, given the larger territory and financial burden.
Defence editor Shashank Joshi noted the technology might exist, but the timeline is ambitious. He warned that Trump’s projection of completing the system during his current term is unlikely.
Experts also stress the scale of investment required could severely strain the US defence budget. Nonetheless, Trump insisted allies like Canada should “pay their fair share” in any joint effort.
While full Canadian involvement remains uncertain, Canada in talks to join Golden Dome defence system signals a new phase of continental defence collaboration.
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