Carney announces Canada’s bid to join UK-led defence force

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his visit to the United Kingdom, where the two leaders discussed strengthening defence, security and economic cooperation.

Carney announced that Canada has formally applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force and welcomed the UK’s support for its participation.

The leaders also discussed defence industry opportunities through the Global Combat Air Programme, which Canada joined as an observer in July 2026.

Canada and the UK are continuing work on the BATUS Future Project, a proposed permanent arrangement to modernize British Army Training Unit Suffield in Alberta. The project aims to establish CFB Suffield as a world-class facility for developing and testing new equipment and advanced technology.

The prime ministers also agreed to deepen cooperation on frontier technologies, including the safe and responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.

Carney and Burnham agreed to remain in close contact.