Canada looking to help develop sensors for ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence, U.S. general tells conference
Canada’s Contribution to U.S. President Trump’s “Golden Dome” Missile-Defence System
Canada’s involvement in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defence system for North America is primarily focused on research related to the detection of incoming threats, according to Gen. Greg Guillot, the U.S. commander for NORAD. Speaking at the annual Conference of Defence Associations Institute forum in Ottawa, Guillot expressed excitement about the proposal, which aligns with existing plans to modernize continental defence.
Defense Minister Bill Blair had previously indicated Canada’s interest in participating in the plan during a visit to Washington last month, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the skies. President Trump’s executive order in January mandated the creation of an advanced missile defence shield, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” to protect against various types of aerial attacks.
The Pentagon recently rebranded the initiative from the “Iron Dome” to the “Golden Dome,” with Trump mentioning it in his address to Congress on Tuesday. The system aims to enhance the defense capabilities against ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles, among other threats.
While the specifics of Canada’s involvement have not been fully disclosed, there are ongoing efforts to modernize NORAD through the deployment of advanced radar stations, seabed-based sensors in the Arctic, and new satellites for threat detection. Guillot highlighted Canada’s collaboration in the sensor domain awareness aspect of the Golden Dome, emphasizing the need for comprehensive surveillance to support the overall defence system.
The missile defence system comprises various components, including sensors for threat detection and interceptors to neutralize incoming missiles. Guillot mentioned that NORAD has submitted its proposals to the Pentagon, with plans to undergo scrutiny by the U.S. Congress and the Canadian Parliament.
Despite political tensions surrounding Trump’s economic threats towards Canada, the focus remains on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. Blair emphasized the national interest in defending Canada and supporting U.S. defense initiatives, particularly in enhancing domain awareness in the Arctic region.
As discussions progress on Canada’s role in the Golden Dome project, the government is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities towards national defense and continental security. With a focus on sovereignty and cooperation with the United States, Canada aims to play a vital role in enhancing defense capabilities and ensuring regional security.
