What are the largest markets for Canadian military exports?
The Canadian government limits exports of military goods to fulfill international commitments, protect national and allied security, and prevent contributions to regional instability or human rights abuses. In 2025, Canada exported military goods to 85 countries across five major regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The Annual Report on Strategic Goods and Technologies Pursuant to Section 27 of the Export and Import Permits Act, published by Global Affairs Canada, provides data on the top markets for Canadian military exports. The report analyzes trade data on military goods and technology that require export permits. These items include weapons (firearms, missiles, bombs, ammunition), military vehicles, military communication systems, technical data and blueprints, and strategic goods and technology such as guidance systems, aerospace and propulsion systems, and cybersecurity technologies.
While permits are required for all foreign destinations, most Canadian military exports to the United States are exempt from requiring permits due to reciprocal arrangements for defense-related exports. These arrangements reflect the close and long-standing military cooperation between the two countries, including the 1956 Defence Production Sharing Agreement that underpins the integrated nature of North America’s defence industry. This article explores the top destinations for Canadian military exports outside of the United States.
Top non-U.S. markets for Canadian military exports
During the 2025 calendar year, Canada's military exports to non-U.S. destinations reached approximately $2.045 billion, down from $2.504 billion in 2024 and $2.143 billion in 2023. About $929.8 million, or 40.7% of all military exports in 2025, consisted of ground vehicles and their components. Saudi Arabia was the largest market for Canadian military exports outside of the United States. It received approximately $404 million in Canadian military exports, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total value of non-US military exports. Germany was second, receiving $371 million in Canadian military exports, followed by Poland with military exports totalling $216 million.
More than half of Canada’s military exports were sent to NATO countries, of which Canada is a member. Among regions that Canada exported military goods to, Europe was the largest market. It received $1,217,734,634.37, or 60% of Canadian military exports to non-U.S. destinations. The Middle East follows Europe, receiving $526,797,699.07, or about one-quarter of Canadian military exports to non-U.S. destinations. Asia-Pacific was the third-largest market, followed by the Americas excluding the United States, and then Africa.
