Canada will increase its military presence in the Arctic

 Over the next 5 years, the country will spend more than 8 billion Canadian dollars on defense.

The Canadian government has announced an increased military presence in the Arctic region. Gospodarka Morska writes about it.

"This is about protecting our values, our sovereignty and our North," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during a press conference at Trenton Air Force Base.

The government official emphasized that the Arctic ice is melting due to climate change, and by 2050 the Northwest Passage could become one of the most promising routes for ships between Europe and Asia by 2050.

It is in the context of the coming changes in the Arctic that Trudeau announced total defense spending of C$73 billion over 20 years — including C$8.1 billion over the next 5 years. The Canadian government named China and Russia as the source of future threats.

In particular, the country plans to invest 1.4 billion Canadian dollars in a sensor surveillance system in ocean waters. Also, 9.9 billion Canadian dollars will be allocated to the Navy.

The increase in defense spending will be included in this year's budget. The relevant bill will be submitted to the parliament on April 16.