On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney disclosed a CAN$6 billion (USD$4.2 billion) agreement with Australia aimed at advancing an Arctic radar system. He also cautioned that Canada needs to assume greater responsibility for its defense as the United States recalibrates its focus.

Carney announced this in Iqaluit, the capital of the Nunavut territory located in Canada’s Arctic region, during the concluding part of his inaugural tour as prime minister following his succession from Justin Trudeau earlier last week.

Carney — who had earlier referred to the United States under President Donald Trump as a nation that Canada can no longer rely on — highlighted the radar agreement as an integral component of Canada’s initiative to strengthen its control over the Arctic region.

"Change is happening around us," Carney stated in Iqaluit, having stopped domestically following trips to Paris and London.

"The international organizations and standards that have safeguarded Canada’s security are now under scrutiny. Additionally, the United States' focus areas, our ally whose objectives were previously close to ours, are starting to change," he stated.

We must not primarily rely on others to protect our country.

Australia leads in "over-the-horizon" radar technology, which provides extensive coverage enabling constant monitoring of potential threats across large regions.

The radar system’s extensive surveillance and capability for monitoring potential dangers will identify and neutralize threats throughout the northern region, according to a statement from Carney's office detailing the agreement.

The updated network will supersede the outdated Cold War-era North Warning System, utilizing radar installations stretching from Alaska to Northern Quebec, which are inadequate for addressing contemporary missile dangers.

Ottawa will additionally allocate Can$420 million to enhance Canada's continuous military presence in the Far North throughout the year.

“Ensuring the security of Canada is an unshakeable strategic priority for this administration,” Carney stated. “We must be prepared to take further action.”

The funding announcement for improved Arctic radar systems came during the Trudeau administration, however, the choice to collaborate with Australia was revealed on Tuesday.

Before President Trump resumed his term, Canada prioritized Arctic security due to concerns over potential Russian aggression. This shift was prompted by the thawing of polar ice caps because of climate change, which is gradually making the area more accessible for extracting natural resources.

But Trump's repeated questioning of Canadian sovereignty has sparked renewed focus on national defence in Canada, which once viewed its security ties with Washington as iron-clad.

Earlier this month, Canada’s Defence Minister Bill Blair unveiled plans for three new Arctic military centers featuring airstrips and equipment storage facilities.

New Canadian prime ministers typically make calling the American president a first priority after taking office, but with the countries currently fighting a trade war initiated by Trump's tariffs it remains unclear when Carney and Trump will speak.

Carney stated on Tuesday that he will engage in a "thorough" conversation with Trump regarding trade matters "when the timing is right."