One year into Donald Trump’s second term, joking talk of annexing Canada has hardened into trade war threats, defence pressure, and public rebukes. Despite symbolic spending boosts, Canada remains under-defended, below NATO targets, and increasingly exposed — to the point where military leaders are now war-gaming the once-unthinkable: a U.S. invasion.

Canada plans an $18 billion investment to acquire four new helicopter fleets—special operations, attack, reconnaissance, and medium lift—reviving a balanced rotary-wing force to support the Army. The move addresses long-standing capability gaps, but deliveries are slow, with first aircraft expected from 2033 to 2038.

A sudden U.S. military operation in Venezuela captured President Nicolás Maduro, raising praise for tactical execution but serious questions about legality and precedent. The intervention has emboldened Washington, intensified fears of unchecked U.S. power, and renewed concerns over potential future actions in Latin America and Greenland.

Vice Admiral Angus Topshee has revived discussion of a Canadian-built, ice-capable amphibious support ship for the Royal Canadian Navy. Though still conceptual, the idea echoes past missed opportunities, including Canada’s decision not to acquire French Mistral-class ships, a choice that delayed development of amphibious and combined-arms capabilities.

CBC reports that Canada’s Army is accelerating plans to replace its aging C-7 and C-8 rifles under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program. Spurred by increased defence spending, the project could expand significantly, support domestic manufacturing, and underpin broader mobilization plans aimed at rebuilding Canada’s military capacity.

Canada’s latest $200M contribution to Ukraine, part of NATO’s PURL initiative, will fund U.S.-sourced air defence systems and ammunition. Despite calls to reduce reliance on American weaponry, Canada continues directing defence dollars to U.S. firms. The article argues Canada should shift toward domestic production, including building Swedish Gripen jets in Canada.

Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, a Canadian Armed Forces member deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia, died near Riga on January 29, 2026. From Hamilton, Ontario, he served with the Royal Canadian Artillery and was on his first overseas deployment. An investigation is ongoing.

Canada’s decision to buy U.S.-built HIMARS highlights a growing tension between military capability and strategic sovereignty. While proven on the battlefield, the system deepens reliance on the United States at a time of trade conflict and political strain—raising questions about control, alternatives, and whether economic and strategic risks are being ignored.

Canada is accelerating its Arctic defence posture amid growing pressure from Russia, China and shifting U.S. dynamics. Major initiatives include NORAD modernization, over-the-horizon radar, new satellite communications, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and expanded icebreaker fleets—aimed at strengthening sovereignty, surveillance, and year-round security across the North.

Drones have reshaped modern warfare, driving demand for effective counter-UAS systems. Raytheon’s Coyote drone family—used by the U.S. Army—offers low-cost, layered defence against swarms and loitering munitions, combining ISR, kinetic intercept, electronic warfare and directed energy capabilities proven in Ukraine-driven operational requirements.

Pierre Trudeau’s “sleeping with an elephant” metaphor feels newly relevant as a volatile United States rattles allies and norms. Canada, long lulled by stability, must confront its vulnerability. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strategy of economic and military diversification is a risky but necessary tightrope walk to avoid irrelevance—or being trampled.

Barry Pitcher, a veteran of both the CAF and RCMP, brings a people-first, mission-driven leadership style to his role as CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia. His career is marked by operational excellence, resilience, advocacy for inclusion, and a deep commitment to veterans, community safety, and meaningful service beyond the uniform.

Veterans could see real progress this parliamentary session if accountability replaces endless study. Shifting the burden of proof to government and enforcing ministerial outcome reporting would turn evidence into results. Without enforceable oversight, Veterans keep sounding ignored alarms, reliving harm while responsibility diffuses and promised reforms stall year after year.

IMSAR is redefining modern sensing by making advanced radar compact, lightweight, and mission-ready. By combining radar, optical, and signal technologies through its Iron Triad approach, IMSAR delivers reliable, all-weather, day-night awareness that helps decision-makers see beyond line of sight and act with confidence.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) will deliver 12 new submarines, strengthening Canada’s defence, Arctic security, and NATO commitments while creating major economic opportunities. With 17+ years supporting the Victoria Class, Babcock Canada is leveraging its expertise to ensure through-life sustainment, workforce development, and operational readiness for Canada’s future submarine fleet.

Industry competition is intensifying across Canada’s defence sector, from Arctic mobility vehicles vying for the Army’s DAME project to major aerospace and missile-defence developments. New partnerships, contracts, and innovation hubs highlight growing focus on sovereignty, Arctic capability, space defence, and long-term industrial benefits for Canada.