The Canadian government has officially met its NATO spending target of two per cent of GDP and plans to spend another half a trillion dollars on defence infrastructure and capability over the next decade.

Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement in Halifax this morning noting that the nature of warfare is “changing rapidly.”

“It’s driven by the proliferation of drones, autonomous systems and weapons in orbit. We know the world has changed and Canada must change with it.”

The prime minister says Canada will increase it’s defence spending over the coming decade to address the country’s military capability, infrastructure and equipment needs.

“We’re overhauling the very way we arm our Canadian forces, so they have the tools they need to keep Canadians safe.”

“Over the next decade, Canada will unleash a half a trillion dollars…in defence and defence-related investment. From submarines and aircraft, to drones, sensor and radar systems. We will build the essential infrastructure that our security needs.”

In the meantime, Carney says incentives and improvements to military pay has resulted in a 13 per cent increase in applications for the Canadian Armed Forces.