Canada and Norway deepen Arctic and defence partnership, including submarine cooperation

What happened

• Leaders of Canada and Norway met in Ottawa to broaden cooperation across defence, Arctic security, industry, science, and climate.

Key commitments and actions

• Defence & submarines: Canada will join the German‑Norwegian Type 212CD submarine cooperation and, after CPSP negotiations conclude, pursue an enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement to deepen military and industrial ties.
• Arctic security: A bilateral Arctic Dialogue will be established to boost surveillance, situational awareness, interoperability, and R&D. The Canadian and Norwegian Coast Guards signed a partnership (June 2026) and have begun joint Arctic exercises.
• Support for Ukraine: Both countries reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine, finalized a CCC–NDMA partnership to help procure military assets, and will co‑host a ministerial conference on returning detained civilians and POWs.
• Industry & economy: Over 50 Norwegian companies operate in Canada; highlighted deals include Kongsberg’s $76.5 million investment in a Marine Innovation Simulation Centre and Equinor’s Bay du Nord offshore project about 500 km off Newfoundland.
• Science & technology: Polar Knowledge Canada and the Norwegian Polar Institute signed an MOU for polar research; the Canadian and Norwegian space agencies finalized an MOU to cooperate on space and dual‑use capabilities. Canada and Norway will also explore cooperation on digital sovereignty and trustworthy AI.
• Critical minerals and oceans: Geological surveys will collaborate on critical minerals mapping. Both countries committed to climate and biodiversity goals, methane and black carbon reductions, sustainable ocean plans, and support for the Global Ocean Observing System.

Why it matters

• The agreements link defence procurement, industry investment, and scientific cooperation, with concrete implications for Arctic surveillance, shipbuilding, space assets, and critical minerals supply chains. The steps also reinforce coordinated foreign policy toward Ukraine and international climate and ocean initiatives.

Next steps / timelines

• Canada’s submarine cooperation follows CPSP negotiations and builds on a 2023 MOU. Coast guard partnership and joint exercises are already underway. The leaders noted collaboration in the context of the 5th International Polar Year and Canada hosting the Our Ocean Conference in Halifax in 2027.