Canada Secures First European Defense Contract Under SAFE Agreement
Montreal-based Marconi Technologies has been awarded a landmark defense contract under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, marking the first time a Canadian company has secured a deal through the €150 billion procurement initiative.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France, where he met with European leaders to strengthen transatlantic partnerships beyond traditional U.S. trade relationships.
Details of the Marconi-Enamor Partnership
Marconi Technologies will collaborate with Poland-based Enamor International to supply tactical radios manufactured in Canada to the Polish Army. The contract, valued at over $10 million, represents a significant milestone in Canada’s growing defense cooperation with European allies.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year and will continue through 2030, providing the Polish military with advanced communication equipment produced in Canada.
Canada’s Unique Position in SAFE
Canada officially joined the SAFE program in May 2026, becoming the only non-European country to participate in the procurement initiative. The agreement was adopted by the Council of the European Union in May 2025 as part of broader efforts to strengthen the continent’s industrial and technological defense capabilities.
The EU plans to mobilize nearly €800 billion in defense spending over the next four years to enhance its preparedness amid evolving security challenges.
Strengthening Canada-EU Relations
During his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, Carney described the Marconi contract as the first “concrete example” of the SAFE partnership, promising “many more to come.”
The leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in several key areas, including a digital trade deal, critical war materials, and energy security. Carney additionally accepted the EU’s invitation for Canada to co-chair the OceanEye International Alliance, the bloc’s ocean observation initiative.
“We are an ocean apart, but we have never been closer,” von der Leyen remarked, highlighting the growing alignment between Canada and the EU.
The leaders pledged to maintain close contact and will reconvene at the Canada-EU Summit, scheduled for October 29-30 in Canada this fall.
National Post
