Overview

• 23 US senators express disappointment in Canada's defense spending levels.
• Canada's defense spending projected to reach only 1.7% of GDP by 2029, short of NATO's 2% target.
• Senators warn that slow modernization of Arctic defense systems impacts NATO readiness.
• Defense Minister Bill Blair defends Canada's upward trajectory in military spending.
• Upcoming NATO summit in Washington expected to address the issue prominently.