Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair confirmed today that Canada is ready to join US President Donald Trumps proposed development of an ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense shield, despite the ongoing tensions between Ottawa and Washington.Blair stated in a press release that Canada is a key partner in defending North America through NATO and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He emphasized that an integrated missile defense system for North America is the most logical choice for everyone.President Trump previously signed an executive order to develop a missile defense system for the United States and instructed the US Department of Defense to prepare a plan within 60 days for establishing the ‘next-generation missile defense shield’ designed to guard against ballistic, hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles, including through the development of space-based interceptorsBlairs comments come at a time when tensions between the two countries are high due to President Trumps threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, as well as his growing calls for Canada to become the ’51st US state.’
