Canada is preparing to unveil an ambitious international defense financing initiative at next week’s NATO summit in Turkey, with officials aiming to announce around ten founding member nations for a proposed global institution designed to strengthen security cooperation and resilience.
The proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) is being championed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as part of a broader effort to reshape international cooperation in response to growing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global power dynamics.
According to Canada’s lead negotiator, discussions with prospective founding members have progressed steadily, and Ottawa hopes to present a coalition of approximately ten countries when NATO leaders gather for the summit. The initiative is expected to serve as a platform for financing defense modernization, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and resilience projects among participating nations.
The proposal reflects Canada’s vision of expanding cooperation among like-minded countries beyond traditional military alliances. Prime Minister Carney has repeatedly argued that the international order is undergoing profound change and that middle-sized powers must play a more active role in safeguarding global stability.
The DSRB would seek to mobilize investment for projects that improve national and collective security while supporting technological innovation, supply-chain resilience, and preparedness against emerging threats. Canadian officials believe such an institution could complement existing defense structures rather than replace them.
The initiative comes as NATO members continue increasing defense spending in response to evolving security challenges across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and other strategic regions. Governments are placing greater emphasis on strengthening military readiness, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and advanced manufacturing.
Diplomatic sources say discussions ahead of the summit have focused on identifying countries willing to become founding members of the proposed bank. While the final list has not been officially confirmed, negotiations are expected to continue until the summit begins.
Prime Minister Carney has framed the proposal as part of a broader strategy to build stronger partnerships among democratic nations capable of addressing global challenges collectively. He has argued that cooperation among “middle powers” can provide additional stability at a time when the traditional U.S.-led international order is facing increasing pressure from geopolitical competition, regional conflicts, and economic fragmentation.
If launched, the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank would represent one of Canada’s most significant international security initiatives in recent years. Supporters say it could provide governments with a dedicated mechanism to finance long-term security investments, while critics are expected to examine how the institution would be funded, governed, and coordinated alongside existing international organizations.
The proposal is likely to be one of the notable topics on the sidelines of the NATO summit, where alliance leaders will also discuss defense capabilities, regional security, military modernization, and strategies for responding to emerging global threats.