Canada and Norway expand Arctic and defence ties, boost industry and space cooperation

What happened and who it affects

• Leaders of Canada and Norway met in Ottawa to reaffirm a broad bilateral partnership covering defence, Arctic security, industry, space, AI, critical minerals, climate and oceans.

Key practical actions and timelines

• Defence: Canada will join the German‑Norwegian Type 212CD submarine cooperation and, after Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) negotiations conclude, intends to pursue an enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement to deepen military and industrial ties.
• Arctic security: The countries are establishing a bilateral Arctic Dialogue to improve strategic surveillance, situational awareness, interoperability, and R&D.
• Coast guards: A partnership agreement signed in June 2026 has already enabled joint training in Canadian and Norwegian Arctic waters.
• Ukraine support: Canada and Norway reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine, finalized a CCC–NDMA procurement partnership, and will co‑host a ministerial conference next week in Toronto on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war.
• Science and research: Polar Knowledge Canada and the Norwegian Polar Institute signed an MOU to collaborate on Arctic and Antarctic research and a joint research agenda with a supporting roadmap.
• Space and technology: The Canadian Space Agency and Norwegian Space Agency finalized an MOU to coordinate space and dual‑use capabilities; Kongsberg and Canadian partners signed MOUs on multi‑domain and LEO satellite collaboration.
• AI and digital sovereignty: Both governments will explore cooperation on safe, trustworthy AI, including testing, evaluation and public‑sector use.
• Critical minerals and energy: Geological surveys will cooperate on mapping and geoscientific exchange; Equinor is advancing the Bay du Nord offshore development approximately 500 kilometres off Newfoundland.

By the numbers

• More than 50 Norwegian companies have long‑term operations in Canada.
• Kongsberg invested $76.5 million in a Marine Innovation Simulation Centre of Excellence with BCIT.
• Bay du Nord is located ~500 kilometres offshore Newfoundland.

Why this matters

• These actions strengthen NATO and Arctic deterrence, deepen defence industrial ties (including shipbuilding and responsive space), support northern and Indigenous communities through research and energy projects, and coordinate international support for Ukraine.

Source grounding

• Details above are drawn directly from the joint statement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, including referenced MOUs, partnership agreements and announced projects.