Canada will raise defense spending to 2% of GDP

Canada will increase its defense spending to 2% of its GDP this year, a move prompted by global security concerns and pressure from allies. This represents a significant increase from the previous 1.4% commitment. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the accelerated spending plan, which includes investments in new military equipment like submarines and aircraft, as well as increased pay for armed forces. The decision comes amid calls from NATO for increased defense spending across member nations. The announcement follows similar calls from the US and comes as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged European nations to dramatically increase their defense budgets. Russia has criticized the move, denouncing NATO as an instrument of aggression.