Foreign Affairs Ministry Finalizes $3.8B Northern Radar Modernization Framework with Allied Partners

OTTAWA, ON — Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly announced the finalization Wednesday of a $3.8 billion multilateral security and sensor-sharing agreement with the United States, Norway, and Denmark to modernize early-warning radar networks across the North American Arctic.

Strategic Architecture and Over-the-Horizon Radar

The agreement advances major commitments under Canada's Our North, Strong and Free defense policy, funding the installation of four advanced Over-the-Horizon (OTH) radar arrays and polar satellite telemetry stations across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Quebec. The advanced sensor grid provides 24/7 detection coverage against hypersonic cruise missiles and high-altitude surveillance aircraft.

Minister Joly emphasized that defending Arctic sovereignty requires integrated technological modernization with NATO allies while respecting Northern and Arctic Indigenous community governance.

Northern Community Infrastructure and Economic Development

A minimum 15 percent procurement allocation is legally reserved for Inuit and Northern-owned enterprises, funding dual-use infrastructure including community fiber connectivity, upgraded all-weather airstrips, and clean energy microgrids in remote northern settlements.

Territorial leaders and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami endorsed the infrastructure commitments, emphasizing that Arctic security investments must deliver tangible long-term benefits for northern residents.

Deployment Schedule

Civil site surveying and foundation preparation for the primary northern radar station near Inuvik will commence in early 2027, with full operational integration into the NORAD command system targeted for 2029.