June 20, 2022
Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen on Canada’s Announced Support for Modernization of Continental Defense Capabilities
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is the crown jewel of U.S.-Canada defense cooperation and joint defense capabilities in North America, including the Arctic. After nearly 65 years, NORAD remains the only binational military command in the world.
As threats evolve, NORAD must evolve with them. We need to match 21st century threats with 21st century defense capabilities. The stronger and safer we are at home, the more we are capable of engaging, acting, and leading together on the global stage. We welcome Canada’s announcement of its NORAD modernization commitments to ensure the continued defense and security of North America.
President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau agreed in February 2021 to expand cooperation on continental defense and in the Arctic, including by modernizing NORAD. That commitment was reaffirmed by both the August 2021 Joint Statement on NORAD Modernization released by Secretary of Defense Austin and then-Minister of National Defence Sajjan, as well as the joint visit of Secretary Austin, Prime Minister Trudeau, and Minister of National Defence Anand to NORAD Headquarters June 7, 2022. The United States looks forward to continuing to strengthen our collaboration with Canada on continental defense and security, including in the Arctic.
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Molly Sanchez Crowe
U.S. Embassy Spokesperson
Sanchezcrowemm@state.gov
