Canada announced plans to buy a fleet of early warning aircraft from Sweden's Saab, choosing the GlobalEye over Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail, as Ottawa seeks to reduce its reliance on the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement at a defense conference in Ottawa.

Carney stated that the GlobalEye, based on Bombardier's Global 6500 jet, will be a key asset for the Canadian Armed Forces to detect and deter threats across the Arctic. The Boeing option had faced delays and cost overruns.

The decision follows Carney's March pledge that Canada would take full responsibility for protecting its vast Arctic territory, after decades of partnership with the US. Canada has also ramped up defense spending, meeting NATO's 2% GDP target.

Saab said it plans to invest in R&D in Canada as part of any deal. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the decision as strengthening ties. Canada is also considering buying Saab's Gripen fighters.

Experts view the move as a test of Canada's pivot away from US military capability. Canada is also reviewing its order for 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed-Martin amid trade tensions with the US.

The announcement comes amid ongoing trade disputes, with US President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on Canada and threatening annexation. Nearly 80% of Canada's exports go to the US, and trade negotiations have stalled.

Source: www.aljazeera.com