Canada and Norway Plan New Defence Cooperation Agreement
One of the key announcements involves a planned enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Canada and Norway intend to pursue the agreement following the conclusion of negotiations for Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
The plan builds on an existing 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defence cooperation and Canada's decision to join German-Norwegian cooperation involving the Type 212CD submarine.
The two countries said the submarine cooperation creates an opportunity to deepen military, industrial and technological ties.
Arctic Security Moves Higher on the Agenda
Canada and Norway are both Arctic nations, and the leaders described Arctic security as a national-security issue for both countries.
The two governments are establishing a bilateral Arctic Dialogue covering areas such as strategic surveillance, situational awareness, interoperability and research and development.
Practical cooperation is also underway between the Canadian Coast Guard and Norwegian Coast Guard.
Under a partnership agreement signed in June 2026, both services have already undertaken joint training exercises in Canadian and Norwegian Arctic waters.
Submarine Cooperation Adds Another Link
The submarine partnership is connected to Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
Canada's decision to join German-Norwegian cooperation on the Type 212CD submarine is described in the joint statement as a significant step in the Canada-Norway defence relationship.
The September 20 Canada-Norway statement says the submarine cooperation can support wider military, industrial and technological cooperation between the countries.
Critical Minerals Cooperation Expands
Canada and Norway are also strengthening cooperation on critical minerals.
The Geological Survey of Canada and the Geological Survey of Norway have agreed to work together on critical-minerals mapping and the exchange of geoscientific expertise.
The governments say the work is intended to support future project pipelines and more secure and resilient supply chains.
Critical minerals are also part of the broader economic and industrial relationship between the two countries.
Space Cooperation Gets a New Push
Canada and Norway are expanding cooperation in space and related technologies.
The Canadian Space Agency and Norwegian Space Agency have finalized a memorandum of understanding covering space-based and dual-use capabilities.
The partnership is intended to support Arctic and northern needs, improve information sharing and strengthen cooperation among government, research and industry organisations.
Canadian and Norwegian companies are also continuing to build business-to-business partnerships in the space sector.
Canada and Norway Deepen AI Cooperation
Artificial intelligence is another area where the two countries plan to work more closely.
Canada and Norway said they will explore cooperation on digital sovereignty and safe, trustworthy AI.
The proposed cooperation includes approaches to testing and evaluating advanced AI systems and responsible deployment.
The two countries will also explore the use of AI in the public sector, including exchanging experiences and best practices for responsible adoption.
Support for Ukraine Remains Part of the Partnership
Canada and Norway also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.
The two countries said they would continue working with partners on security guarantees, military support and reconstruction efforts.
Canada and Norway are also coordinating on sanctions, including efforts targeting Russia's shadow fleet.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation and Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency have finalized a partnership supporting the procurement of military assets for Ukraine.
Economic and Industrial Ties Are Growing
The partnership extends beyond defence and security.
According to the joint statement, more than 50 Norwegian companies have established long-term operations in Canada.
The two countries also highlighted cooperation between Canadian and Norwegian companies in areas including shipbuilding, maritime technology, aerospace, energy and defence.
Norwegian company Kongsberg has also invested $76.5 million in a Marine Innovation Simulation Centre of Excellence at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
What Happens Next?
The next major step for the defence relationship will be the conclusion of negotiations for Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
Following those negotiations, Canada and Norway intend to pursue the enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.
At the same time, the countries will continue work through their Arctic Dialogue, space cooperation, critical-minerals initiatives and AI partnership.
Bottom Line
Canada and Norway are expanding their relationship across defence, Arctic security, submarines, critical minerals, space and artificial intelligence.
The September 20 meeting between Mark Carney and Jonas Gahr Støre produced plans for deeper cooperation, including an intended enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement connected to Canada's submarine project.
The two countries are also continuing cooperation on Ukraine, Arctic research, energy, technology and resilient supply chains.