Politico:

Defense Minister Anita Anand says Canada is examining the possibility of joining the United States’ ballistic missile defense system, an openness that comes nearly two decades after Ottawa first rejected an invitation to participate.

She also stressed that strengthening continental defense extends beyond the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). “We are taking a very bold and aggressive look at what we need to do for the defense of the North American continent,” Anand said.

Anand also shared new details about the review, outlining its focus on the emerging danger of hypersonic missiles, continental protection and the rising threat of war.

Anand said the review will look to strengthen Canada’s domestic and continental defenses, including NORAD, as well as multilateral alliances, especially through NATO.

Canada’s 2017 defense policy, known as “Strong, Secure, Engaged,” will remain the foundational document for how the government supports and equips the Canadian Armed Forces.

She also highlighted Canada’s decision in March to pursue a deal to buy 88 F-35s from Lockheed Martin. The government says it will spend up to C$19 billion to buy the warplanes to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s aging CF-18 fleet.

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