Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, as Liberal Leader, promised to revamp Canada's defence procurement process with a focus on buying Canadian-made equipment. Specifically, this included procuring airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to support the domestic aerospace industry and accelerate the overall procurement timeline. The promise aimed to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly from the U.S., amid trade tensions, and to bolster Canada's sovereignty in military capabilities.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office after the April 2025 federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated several steps aligned with this promise. In March and April 2025, Carney pledged to review major defence contracts, including the F-35 fighter jet deal with Lockheed Martin, to shift toward more domestically sourced options. This review was ordered shortly after his inauguration and was expected to conclude by the end of summer 2025, as stated in June 2025 announcements. The government has emphasized building up domestic research and advanced military technology, which ties into supporting the aerospace sector.

Regarding AEW&C aircraft specifically, there has been notable progress through industry proposals. In June 2025, Swedish firm Saab offered its GlobalEye system for Canada's AEW&C program. The GlobalEye is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, which is manufactured in Canada by Bombardier, a key player in the domestic aerospace industry. This proposal aligns with the promise by leveraging Canadian-made platforms and integrating sovereign solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces. The offer highlights a cost-effective approach that could accelerate procurement by utilizing existing Canadian production capabilities.

Additionally, Carney's administration has announced broader defence spending increases, including a $6 billion investment in an early warning radar missile detection system in March 2025, which complements aerial surveillance needs. While not directly AEW&C aircraft, this indicates a push toward enhanced airborne and detection capabilities. The government has also vowed to retool weapons sourcing to prioritize Canadian-built products, as stated in May 2025, amid ongoing trade challenges with the U.S.

Legislation and Policy Developments

No specific legislation has been proposed or passed directly related to the procurement of AEW&C aircraft as of September 2025. However, the government's defence procurement revamp is being pursued through executive actions and policy shifts within the Department of National Defence (DND) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). This includes fast-tracking reviews and soliciting bids that favor domestic involvement, as outlined in Carney's campaign promises. In April 2025, Carney pitched a "made-in-Canada" defence plan, which has influenced ongoing procurement strategies but has not yet resulted in formal bills. Critics and experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of accelerating processes without legislative changes, noting that existing procurement laws under the Defence Production Act could be leveraged but have not been amended.

Progress on Key Promise Elements

The element of buying Canadian-made AEW&C aircraft is in progress, with the Saab GlobalEye proposal representing a potential fulfillment since it incorporates the Canadian-built Bombardier platform. Support for the domestic aerospace industry is also in progress, as the government's review process and emphasis on sovereign solutions aim to benefit companies like Bombardier. Accelerating the procurement process remains in progress, with the F-35 review set to wrap up soon, potentially opening doors for quicker AEW&C decisions, though no final contract has been awarded yet.

To become kept, the government must finalize and announce a procurement contract for AEW&C aircraft that explicitly uses Canadian-made components or platforms, with evidence of accelerated timelines and tangible industry support, such as job creation or investments in domestic firms. It could become broken if the review concludes without shifting to Canadian options, if procurement delays persist beyond 2025, or if reliance on non-Canadian suppliers continues unchecked, especially if trade tensions lead to compromises.

Challenges and Criticisms

Experts have noted that hitting NATO's 2% defence spending target by the end of 2025, as promised by Carney, could strain resources and complicate accelerated procurements. Some reports indicate that alternatives to U.S.-made equipment, like the F-35, may be costlier, potentially slowing down AEW&C plans. Industry concerns have arisen over contract requirements favoring single suppliers, though the Saab offer suggests diversification efforts. As of September 2025, no AEW&C aircraft have been purchased, leaving the promise vulnerable to delays.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.