Canada is formally discussing with the United States the joining of the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, a significant initiative backed by former President Donald Trump. The system is projected to cost $175 billion. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the talks during a press conference in Ottawa, calling the project “a matter of strategic necessity” in the face of growing missile threats from Russia, North Korea, and China.

Defense Integration and System Overview
The Golden Dome is envisioned as a space-based and terrestrial missile detection and interception network designed to integrate U.S. satellite assets, NORAD early warning systems, and regional anti-missile launch sites across allied territories. Trump unveiled the concept earlier this year, positioning it as a NATO-adjacent framework rather than a strictly U.S.-only initiative.

Under the proposed arrangement, Canada would contribute funding, launch infrastructure, and joint command personnel based at upgraded NORAD facilities. The participation would significantly expand bilateral military integration beyond existing continental defense protocols.

Domestic Debate and Political Risks
While Carney has argued the system is a “defensive posture, not a provocation,” several opposition MPs and defense policy experts have raised concerns about entanglement in a Trump-led global military initiative without apparent oversight or multilateral governance. Critics are also questioning Canada’s cost-to-benefit ratio, as its defense budget is already under pressure.

The potential deployment of interceptors on Canadian soil has also triggered early protests from civil society groups, particularly in British Columbia and Nova Scotia—two regions flagged for feasibility assessments.

Geostrategic Implications
If finalized, Canada’s participation would signal a clear pivot away from long-standing defense neutrality postures toward full-spectrum missile integration with the U.S. military-industrial framework. The move would also pressure European allies to clarify their positions on participation, especially amid growing fragmentation in NATO policy on missile defense and China strategy.

A trilateral working group between the U.S., Canada, and the UK will convene in June to assess interoperability and risk scenarios before any formal Canadian commitment is ratified.