"We must invest in Canada's north to defend our sovereignty," Carney said during a short stopover in Iqaluit, the capital of Canada’s northern territory of Nunavut. He added the purchase of Australia’s over-the-horizon radar technology would enhance Canada’s defense capabilities. While the US, Canada’s close ally, is shifting priorities, Canada can no longer rely on others for national defense, Carney said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Australia’s over-the-horizon radar system will provide long-range surveillance, detect and counter threats across a vast area, from the Canada-US border to the Arctic. The new system will replace the aging North Warning System, which came into service near the end of the Cold War.

PM Carney also said that the government will allocate 294 million USD to organize training operations in the Arctic and deploy additional personnel to ensure a year-round military presence in the region. He also revealed that the Canadian Navy is to test a new drone system designed for Arctic conditions.

Earlier, Defense Minister Bill Blair announced plans to establish three operational support hubs in the Arctic to enhance military operations through improved communications, transport infrastructure, and secure storage for supplies.