Canada faces growing security challenges in the Arctic as its North Warning System defense infrastructure becomes increasingly obsolete. For seven decades, Canada has relied on the US through NORAD, but current technology cannot detect new Russian hypersonic missiles. This dependency leaves Canada vulnerable amid rising military threats in the strategically important polar region.

Russia continues expanding its Arctic military capabilities while China positions itself as a "near-Arctic" nation. Canada's response includes developing an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system to extend detection range. Despite Prime Minister Carney's efforts to reduce economic and military dependence on the US, Canada's limited capacity to defend its Arctic territory alone remains a critical constraint.

President Trump has pressured Canada to join his "Golden Dome" missile defense shield at an estimated cost of $61 billion. The proposal comes amid Trump's repeated threats to annex Canada and his expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, further complicating Canada's security calculus. The asymmetrical relationship underscores Canada's strategic dilemma: maintaining essential defense cooperation while navigating increasingly unpredictable US intentions.