The United States expressed satisfaction with recent military investments announced by Canada, but is demanding that its northern neighbor do even more to counter them, particularly on air defenses.
At least, that’s what Canada’s Ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, hinted at in a series of interviews over the weekend during US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ottawa.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Ms. Hillman said one of the points of discussion between the two heads of state on Thursday and Friday will certainly concern the modernization of Canada’s air defenses.
The United States is demanding that Canada invest more in upgrading equipment at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the bilateral organization that oversees the two countries’ air defenses. This organization was at the forefront this winter during the saga of the Chinese balloon that crossed the two countries, followed by other balloons launched in Canada and the United States.
Canada last year pledged nearly $5 billion over six years to modernize NORAD without a specific timeline.
“I think they want it to go faster. […] They are keen to ensure that NORAD can achieve its goals,” the ambassador explained.
Nonetheless, she believes the United States is positive about recent Canadian military spending pledges, including the purchase of 88 F-35 fighters for $20 billion.
“I noticed that when we made our announcements […]. I think the tone has changed significantly in Washington,” she told Global’s The West Block.
For years, the Americans have been urging Canada to meet the NATO target of spending 2% of its GDP on defense.