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In a world where borders seem set in stone, whispers of a U.S. invasion of Canada stir the imagination. Could the unthinkable become reality?
06:26, Wed, Jan 21, 2026 Updated: 06:27, Wed, Jan 21, 2026
Canada's Armed Forces have developed a model to prepare for the possibility of a U.S. invasion (Image: Getty)
Canada's Armed Forces have developed a model to prepare for the possibility of a U.S. invasion after President Donald Trump expressed his desire to annex Canadian territory. The plans, which ruled out conscription, are believed to be the first time in a century that Ottawa has prepared for the prospect of an attack from its southern neighbor.
According to a report in The Globe and Mail, Canadian generals say the country would have to resort to unconventional warfare tactics due to the overwhelming power of the U.S. military. The model predicts that Canada would need to implement strategies similar to those used by the Afghan Mujahedeen against the U.S. during its occupation of Afghanistan, such as hit-and-run style ambushes carried out by troops and armed civilians.
Drones could also play a role in inflicting maximum casualties on U.S. soldiers occupying the country, a tactic employed by Ukrainian troops against Russia.
The model underscores the shift in America's role under Trump's presidency, moving away from its position as a cornerstone of Western alliances since the end of World War II. However, the model also emphasized that a U.S. attack on its northern neighbor is extremely unlikely.
Carney notes 'rupture' in world order
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that there had been a "rupture" in the world order following Trump's demand to take over Greenland. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for Canada to be part of the U.S., mocking Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, as the "governor of the great state of Canada" and joking that Canada is the "51st state."
Canadian defense officials believe that a U.S. invasion from the south could overwhelm Canada's defenses in as little as two days. To counter this, the Canadian military would plan for an insurgency similar to the 20-year war waged by jihadists against the U.S. in Afghanistan.
Canada's military, with 71,500 active members and 30,000 reservists, is significantly smaller than the U.S. Army, which has 2.8 million enlisted personnel. To address this disparity, General Jennie Carignan, chief of the Canadian defense staff, announced plans to create a 400,000-strong reserve force of volunteers to disrupt any invading forces.
Trump has been outspoken about his desire to bring Canada into the US-fold (Image: X)
Allies' support amid Trump risk
One senior defense source said that Canada would have at most three months to prepare for an invasion by land and sea, with the first indications being a buildup of U.S. military forces. The planning documents state that Canada's allies, such as the UK or France, would be called upon to assist.
Retired Lieutenant-General Mike Day, a former chief strategic planner for the future of the Canadian armed forces, said it was "fanciful" that the U.S. would actually invade Canada. However, he noted that even if they did, America would not have enough troops to occupy every major Canadian city.
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Amid tensions between the two nations, Trump imposed 35 percent tariffs on Ottawa last August but later lowered them. A recent report from NBC News said that he still has a "fixation" on making Canada part of the U.S., citing his belief that Canada is not capable of handling the threat from China and Russia from the north.
As the world watches the unfolding events, the preparations by the Canadian Armed Forces serve as a stark reminder of the shifting geopolitical landscape under Trump's presidency and the potential for unexpected conflicts between long-standing allies.
English (US) · 