President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan for a continental missile defense system, dubbed the Golden Dome, has encountered a major problem. The project cannot proceed without Canadian participation. The proposed defense shield, estimated to cost around $500 billion, requires extensive cooperation from America’s northern neighbor for its implementation.
The project’s success heavily depends on Canada’s vast territory and strategic positioning, particularly in the Arctic region. According to Politico, the defense system needs Canadian airspace and radar installations to effectively track incoming missiles from China and Russia that could approach the United States from over the North Pole, currently a major gap in American air defenses.
During his Golden Dome announcement on Tuesday, Trump appeared to downplay Canada’s crucial role in the project, stating, “They want to have protection also, so as usual, we help Canada.” However, this stance contradicts the technical realities of the project’s requirements and the historical context of US-Canada defense cooperation.
Canada’s crucial role in North American defense infrastructure
The existing North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a 67-year-old joint military command, demonstrates the long-standing defense partnership between the two nations. Canada has historically funded approximately 40 percent of NORAD investments and is currently investing $38 billion to enhance radar capabilities in the northern region over the next two decades.
Yay Canada! I'm glad you're into the Golden Dome
— California James AW (@alycia4812) May 23, 2025
The implementation of the Golden Dome would require Canada to install additional radars and interceptors across its territory, similar to those currently deployed in California and Alaska. The White House has requested an initial investment of $25 billion for the project in the current tax and spending megabill, but Canadian parliamentary budget discussions won’t take place until fall.
The project faces additional challenges due to strained US-Canada relations, resulting from Trump’s previous criticism of Canada’s military spending and recent trade disputes. Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Canada’s participation in the Golden Dome is not guaranteed, stating that it’s “something that we are looking at and something that has been discussed at a high level, but not sure, one negotiates on this.” This uncertain stance, combined with Canada’s ongoing internal debates about ballistic missile defense participation, suggests that Trump’s Golden Dome vision may face significant diplomatic and practical hurdles before becoming a reality.
