Saturday, March 29, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a $175 billion missile defense initiative dubbed the Golden Dome, with aspirations of making it the first space-based missile shield deployed by the United States. However, despite his ambitious vision, experts warn that the project’s success hinges significantly on one external factor: Canada’s cooperation.
The proposed missile defense system is designed to protect American territory from hostile missiles and drones. Trump declared that the Golden Dome would be operational within three years—before the end of his term—and positioned it as a transformative leap in national security.
But while the system is being marketed as a symbol of American power, its geographical and technological underpinnings are deeply intertwined with Canada’s territory and infrastructure. The Arctic airspace and radar installations that Canada controls are critical to detecting potential threats approaching North America from Russia, China, and other northern vectors.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has acknowledged ongoing discussions with U.S. officials regarding Canada’s potential role in the Golden Dome initiative. “It’s a good idea for Canadians to have protection,” Carney stated, while also clarifying, “We support where necessary, but not unconditionally.”
Despite this guarded willingness, analysts and officials have underscored that the U.S. cannot execute the Golden Dome plan effectively without Canada. The Arctic surveillance systems and vast northern airspace under Canadian control are essential for tracking missiles over the polar region.
“Canada actually brings the geography,” explained retired U.S. Air Force General Glen VanHerck, former commander of U.S. Northern Command. “Enhanced over-the-horizon radar capabilities in Arctic Canada would dramatically increase our ability to detect threats from Russia, China, and beyond.”
Political friction between the two nations may complicate efforts. Trump’s past trade wars and tariff impositions have strained U.S.-Canada diplomatic ties. Canadian opposition members, including Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar, noted that more transparency is needed around how economic and defense partnerships between the two countries will evolve.
“Much is still unknown about how this will play out,” Majumdar said.
Democratic Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed concern that Trump’s rhetoric has alienated much of the Canadian public and political class. “This isn’t the old U.S.-Canada relationship anymore,” he said. “People are skeptical, and that makes cooperation more difficult.”
For over six decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has symbolized close defense collaboration between Canada and the U.S. Both countries share radar data and jointly monitor airspace for threats. Canada funds about 40% of NORAD’s operations and has committed an additional $38 billion over the next 20 years to modernize Arctic defense systems.
Without Canada’s participation, the U.S. may face serious limitations in constructing a comprehensive Northern missile shield. Officials from Prime Minister Carney’s office confirmed “broad and constructive dialogue” with their American counterparts.
The U.S. Northern Command, which oversees NORAD operations, reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing bilateral defense: “We will ensure any new capabilities align with our joint mission to protect the homelands.”
