As global security challenges intensify and allied nations race to modernize their defence ecosystems, Canada is stepping forward with renewed purpose. This week, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), is travelling through Norway and Germany on a mission designed to strengthen alliances, expand industrial cooperation, and reinforce Canada’s emerging leadership in defence innovation.
Running from December 15 to 19, the visit represents far more than diplomatic protocol. It signals Canada’s intention to embed itself deeper into European defence networks at a time when industry partnerships, interoperability, and resilient supply chains have never mattered more.
“Canada, Germany and Norway are longstanding allies with a shared commitment to transatlantic security. Canada’s new government is making generational investments in defence and security, while strengthening relationships with trusted allies and partners. Our collaboration with countries like Germany and Norway will open new opportunities for Canada’s defence industry and workers, ensuring Canadian expertise contributes to allied security and resilience,” explained the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
High-Level Defence Diplomacy Across Europe
Throughout the visit, Secretary Fuhr is engaging directly with some of Norway’s and Germany’s most senior defence leaders. His agenda includes meetings with State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen of Norway’s Ministry of Defence, Dr. Nils Schmid, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Ministry of Defence, Rear Admiral Oliver Berdal, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy, and Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Chief of the German Navy.
Each discussion focuses on shared security priorities, the importance of capability development among allies, and the evolving role of defence industries in sustaining operational readiness and collective deterrence. For Canada, these conversations reinforce long-standing cultural and strategic alignments with two nations known for their naval excellence, innovation, and contributions to NATO’s posture in Northern Europe and the Arctic.
On the Ground With Defence Innovators
The Secretary of State’s itinerary also takes him inside some of Europe’s most advanced naval and defence industrial sites. Visits include Haakonsvern Naval Base, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Naval Training Centre Eckernförde, TKMS, Rheinmetall facilities in both the Nordic region and Germany, Nammo, and Lufthansa Technik.
At each location, Fuhr is meeting with industry leaders to explore collaborative opportunities, build pathways for technology exchange, and identify ways to more deeply integrate Canadian companies into European and global supply chains. These engagements are especially important as countries adapt procurement strategies for a world defined by rapid technological change, contested security environments, and increasing pressure to accelerate capability delivery.
Canada’s New Procurement Era: The DIA Takes Centre Stage
The visit also places a spotlight on the newly established Defence Investment Agency (DIA)—a major pillar in Canada’s plan to modernize defence procurement. With a mandate to streamline processes, engage industry earlier, and align acquisition strategies with allies, the DIA is reshaping how Canada brings new capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces.
For partners in Norway and Germany, the DIA represents a clear signal that Canada is ready to pursue faster, smarter, and more collaborative procurement models. For Canadian industry, it opens the door to new international opportunities—supported by a procurement system designed to accelerate innovation and competitiveness on the global stage.
A Strategic Commitment to Collective Security
Ultimately, Fuhr’s European mission underscores a simple truth: Canada sees its future defence strength as intertwined with that of its allies. By deepening ties with Norway and Germany—both leaders in defence expertise, Arctic security, and maritime innovation—Canada is positioning its industry, procurement system, and military to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.
This visit is more than diplomacy. It is a forward-leaning step into a new era of integrated defence industrial cooperation, one where Canadian innovation and allied collaboration form the backbone of collective security.
