(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today a new multi-billion-dollar military spending plan aimed at meeting NATO requirements and achieving the alliance's target of allocating 2 percent of GDP to defense this year.
Speaking from a military base, Carney said that the international order established after World War II and reshaped after the Cold War is now under growing strain, stressing that Canada is committed to boosting its military readiness in the face of emerging global threats.
As part of the package, he said his government is allocating 2 billion Canadian dollars to improve soldiers' pay, including a substantial 20 percent increase for the lowest military ranks. He explained that this funding is part of a total of 9 billion Canadian dollars in new military investments planned for this year.
He added that the 2024 spending will also go toward modernizing combat capabilities, including the purchase of armored vehicles, drones, and advanced support systems.
Carney also announced that his government is pledging to reach defense spending equivalent to 5 percent of annual GDP by 2035, describing it as a long-term strategic commitment to strengthening Canada's defense capabilities.
Since taking office in April, Carney has repeatedly pointed out that the Canadian military suffers from inadequate equipment and resources, warning that delays in modernizing defense capabilities could leave the country increasingly vulnerable.
The announcement comes amid rising pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been calling on NATO members to commit 5 percent of their GDP to defense and has warned that the United States may refuse to protect countries that fail to dedicate sufficient funding to their armed forces.

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