The Pentagon has urged Canada to present a clear strategy on how it plans to meet NATO’s new military spending target before resuming joint defence planning. The lack of a concrete plan to allocate 3.5% of Canada’s gross domestic product to the military, along with an additional 1.5% for defense infrastructure, is a key reason behind the recent suspension of the U.S.–Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD).
Senior Pentagon officials, speaking anonymously to Canadian journalists, also highlighted the absence of a decision on whether Canada will proceed with the full acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets as another significant concern.
The suspension of cooperation under the PJBD was announced on social media by Elbridge Colby, a senior policymaker at the U.S. Department of War, citing Canada’s perceived failure to meet its commitments.
U.S. defense officials elaborated further, emphasizing that Canada has not outlined a plan to meet NATO’s new defense spending objectives agreed upon at a summit last summer. They stressed the importance of a well-supported plan to ensure Canada reaches the target of spending 3.5% on core defense by 2035.
Last year, the Canadian government allocated $9.3 billion to the Department of National Defence (DND) to meet NATO’s previous benchmark of two percent of GDP. However, details on how this target was achieved remain somewhat vague, with ongoing equipment purchases and previous investments mentioned.
The current fiscal year’s defense budget, expected to exceed $63 billion, lacks clear projections on future spending growth, a departure from past practices. Despite inquiries from journalists, the DND has declined to release these projections.
Defense analyst Dave Perry expressed frustration at the lack of transparency regarding defense spending figures, emphasizing the need for detailed information on Canada’s military investment path.
In response, a spokesperson for Defense Minister David McGuinty highlighted the government’s significant investments in defense and military readiness, citing various initiatives such as expanding ammunition production and modernizing surveillance planes.
The U.S. has called for a swift resolution to Canada’s review of the F-35 fighter purchase, criticizing delays and lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Concerns were also raised about Canada’s commitment to the “Golden Dome” anti-missile system and its potential impact on policy planning with the U.S.
Despite the PJBD suspension, operational aspects of the binational North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) remain unaffected. The future coordination of missile defense systems between the U.S. and Canada, including potential costs and operational details, is yet to be determined. Canada has been invited to participate in these discussions but has not provided a definitive commitment.