Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Montreal-based Marconi Technologies will be the first Canadian company awarded a contract under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) agreement, a European defence procurement program with 150 billion euros in financing. The announcement came ahead of his first meeting at the G7 Leaders' Summit in Evian, France on Monday.
Contract Details
The more than $10-million contract will see Marconi supply made-in-Canada tactical radios for the Polish army, in partnership with Polish company Enamor International. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year and continue until 2030.
Canada's Role in SAFE
Canada officially joined SAFE in May of this year and is the only non-European country to gain membership in the procurement program. SAFE was adopted by the Council of the European Union in May 2025 as part of Europe's efforts to boost its defence industrial and technological capabilities. The EU is expected to unlock nearly 800 billion euros in spending over the next four years to enhance defence readiness.
Strengthening Ties with Europe
Carney is seeking closer ties with European counterparts to reduce reliance on trade with the United States. On Friday, he signed an intelligence sharing agreement with France. During his meeting with EU President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, Carney also accepted the EU's invitation for Canada to co-chair the OceanEye International Alliance, the EU's ocean observation initiative.
Carney, von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa agreed to remain in close contact. The leaders will meet again at the Canada-EU Summit, scheduled for October 29 to 30 in Canada.
