Canada is actively pursuing defense partnerships with the European Union to reduce dependency on U.S. military equipment, signaling a strategic pivot amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. A senior Canadian official confirmed ongoing talks to AP this week, highlighting potential joint initiatives like fighter jet production on Canadian soil.
The move aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push to diversify defense procurement, underscored during his recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and British leader Keir Starmer. Defense Minister Bill Blair is reassessing Canada’s planned acquisition of 88 U.S.-made F-35 jets, with Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen emerging as a contender that promises local assembly and maintenance.
"This is very serious. We’ve been in talks to work on defense procurement together," Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told Canadian media, emphasizing the risks of overreliance on a single partner. Her diplomatic efforts in Europe last month reportedly advanced collaboration prospects.
The EU’s "Readiness 2030" strategy, unveiled Wednesday, complements Canada’s ambitions. The plan incentivizes member states to source at least 65% of defense equipment from EU suppliers or partners like Norway and Ukraine—a deliberate shift away from U.S. manufacturers. Historically, two-thirds of EU military supplies originate from the U.S., but political pressures and evolving trade dynamics are reshaping priorities.
While Canada’s existing F-35 contract remains intact, only 16 jets are firmly funded, leaving uncertainty around the full purchase. Analysts suggest this realignment reflects broader concerns about supply chain resilience and the global redistribution of defense investments.
