Canada, seeking to diversify its defense ties away from the United States, has formally applied to join the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force military coalition, Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said on Wednesday.
The force, a grouping of 10 North Atlantic NATO member states, is a rapid response military partnership.
"Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada has formally applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force and welcomed the UK's support for Canada's participation in this important initiative," Carney's office said in a statement.
Canada, already a member of NATO, is seeking closer military cooperation with European nations as it tries to reduce its reliance on the United States.
Carney had earlier met British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in northern England.
The two men discussed opportunities for defense industrial cooperation through the Global Combat Air Programme, an advanced fighter jet project that Canada joined as an observer in July 2026, Carney's office said.
The JEF comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
SpaceX's Starship makes orbital debut but flight ends early
UK police release five on bail after arrests at airbase
Haiti gang retaliation leaves at least 11 dead after security operation
Thousands huddle in Bangkok shelters as Thai flood damages seen at $320 mln
Floods, landslides kill 56 in India and 14 in Nepal
