RMF246 hours agoWorld2 min read

Tensions between Ottawa and Washington. Canada gives up shopping in the USA

Quick Look

The Canadian government has decided to suspend the purchase of 16 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) and other contracts with US defense companies such as Google and Raytheon, as part of a strategy to diversify suppliers and reduce dependence on the US defense industry, which currently accounts for 70% of Canadian defense spending.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Canada has long been struggling with tensions in its relations with the United States, including trade and political disputes. The Ottawa government has previously signaled its desire to reduce dependence on the US arms industry, which currently accounts for approximately 70% of Canadian defense spending.

Font size

The Canadian government has decided to suspend the purchase of 16 modern UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters produced by the American company Sikorsky, owned by Lockheed Martin. The machines were to be used by special forces and replace the worn-out CH-146 Griffon helicopters. According to public broadcasters CBC and Radio-Canada, the decision was made just before the start of talks with representatives of the US administration.

Tensions in Canada's relations with the USA

The suspension of the order is not only a matter of military equipment. This is a clear signal that Canada-U.S. relations are going through a difficult period. According to CBC, the formalities on the American side were already completed and the order was to be sent to Congress. However, Ottawa decided to stop the process before the meeting of negotiators from both countries.

Grounds? Not only the price, but also the desire to diversify suppliers of military equipment and move away from dependence on the American market. In the background there are also broader trade and political disputes that have been complicating relations between the neighbors for months.

Canada is looking for new partners

According to Radio-Canada, other American contracts also suffered a similar fate. The government has suspended decisions regarding the purchase of cloud services for the Ministry of Defense from Google and military vehicles from Raytheon. Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr, in an interview with Radio-Canada, emphasized that Canadians have an increasing problem accepting the awarding of military contracts to US companies. The tariff war only strengthened Ottawa's desire to look for partners in Europe and Asia.

Fewer dollars for the American arms industry

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last year that Canada wanted to reduce its dependence on American weapons. As he calculated, out of every dollar spent on weapons, as much as 70 cents so far went to the USA. Now Ottawa wants to reverse that trend.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Canada will continue to diversify its military suppliers, seeking partners in Europe and Asia.
Likely · Within months
Tensions in Canada-U.S. relations may persist or intensify in the coming months.
Possible · Within weeks

Open Questions

What specific alternative suppliers is Canada considering?
Is the suspension of purchases temporary or permanent?
How will the US react to this decision?
What will be the consequences for Canadian special forces due to the delay in replacing helicopters?