Following a visit to the United States, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern that some U.S. Senators are unaware of the extent of Russia’s rearmament:
Per Reuters, “I met with some senators on Capitol Hill and told them to please look at the rearmament Russia is doing,” Merz told a business conference in Berlin. “They clearly have no idea what is happening there right now,” he said, without identifying the senators.
The meeting was not without some positive news, with the U.S. President saying the U.S. would not leave NATO, and with growing alignment on increased NATO member spending. While any commitment from the U.S. President could change on a whim, there remains a bipartisan majority in the U.S. Congress to stay in NATO.
On the issue of Russian rearmament, many countries – Canada included – appear to be underreacting to the threat. While Russia is being held back by Ukraine (at great cost to the brave Ukrainian People who exemplify courage and love of freedom), the country has shifted to a total-war economy.
Nearly two-thirds of all Russian government spending is now directed toward the military, and their defence budget has been increased by 25%. Since Russia produces most of its equipment domestically, while also receiving military supplies from North Korea, Iran, and China, the combination of low-cost military mass production and a population controlled by the Kremlin means Russia remains dangerous.
Even if Russia is stopped in Ukraine, it could later direct its military power against a NATO country, or seek to infringe on Canadian territory in the Arctic, where our defences are dangerously sparse. And Canada should not assume the U.S. would stand with us against Russia. Perhaps they would, but betting on that would be unwise. Instead, we must see to our defences, and expand domestic production, particularly in foundational areas such as 155mm artillery shell production, along with aerial and naval drones, partnering with Ukrainian firms so we learn best practices, produce drones for our military and Ukraine, and become a leader in military drone production.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where we have to worry about rearming to keep hostile authoritarian states like Russia at bay, but this is the reality we face, and we must adapt to it fast.
Spencer Fernando
Image – YouTube
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