Canada is in talks with the European Union to join a new initiative focused on expanding the military industry and reducing reliance on the United States.

The New York Times reports, citing its own sources, that the European project aims to bolster the EU’s defense industry, positioning it as a “reliable alternative” to the United States, which currently dominates the global arms manufacturing market.

Canada‘s participation in the project is expected to open new markets for Canadian manufacturers and strengthen defense cooperation with Europe amid strained relations with the United States following Donald Trump’s rise to power.

According to sources cited by the media, the Canadian government is interested in involving domestic companies in projects related to producing European fighter jets and other weaponry.

“Under the terms of the discussions, Canada will also be granted preferential access to the EU military equipment market as an alternative to purchasing equipment from the United States,” according to The New York Times.

Canada started to align more closely with Europe after Donald Trump’s election as U.S. president. Cooperation with the European Union’s defense industry signals that traditional U.S. allies are deepening their ties without Washington’s involvement, the NYT article noted.

This move aims to reduce dependence on the United States and safeguard against Trump’s unpredictable actions, which could significantly impact global security and defense supply chains.

Mark Carney, Canada’s new Prime Minister, made his first overseas visits to Paris and London this week. During his trip, he described Canada as “the most European of non-European countries.”

Alternatives to U.S. weapons

CBC previously reported that Canada is reconsidering its purchase of F-35A fifth-generation multirole fighter jets amid growing tensions in its relations with the United States, even though payment for the first 16 aircraft has already been made.

In March, South Korea sent a delegation to Canada to offer its weapons as an alternative to American-made ones and present itself as a reliable source of military equipment and technology.

Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced on Wednesday, March 19, that the European Union plans to supply Ukraine with no less than 2 million shells annually as part of its military assistance.