Maintaining a Canadian Manned Fighter Capability and Employing it Effectively
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Date: 11 Dec 06
Background
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- There is no substitute, now or in the foreseeable future, for manned fighter aircraft, which have played an important role in the capabilities of the Canadian Forces. They have enabled air defence of Canadian airspace through partnership with the United States in NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command). As a deterrent during the Cold War, Canadian fighters were based in relatively large numbers in Europe with an ability to project force. They participated actively in the first Gulf campaign. Later in the 1990s, they were deployed to Aviano in Italy in conjunction with the Kosovo air-to-ground and air-to-air campaign. Since September 11, 2001 the need for air power to counter the potential terrorist threat has increased the importance for fighter protection of Canadian interests. Although it is taken for granted by many, the NORAD commitment continues to be an enduring role for the CF18 in the defence of Canada. Additionally, the need for air support to expeditionary operations continues, as witnessed by the current NATO mission in Afghanistan. This air support has been provided to Canadian troops by our NATO partners to date.
- There is no substitute, now or in the foreseeable future, for manned fighter aircraft, which have played an important role in the capabilities of the Canadian Forces. They have enabled air defence of Canadian airspace through partnership with the United States in NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command). As a deterrent during the Cold War, Canadian fighters were based in relatively large numbers in Europe with an ability to project force. They participated actively in the first Gulf campaign. Later in the 1990s, they were deployed to Aviano in Italy in conjunction with the Kosovo air-to-ground and air-to-air campaign. Since September 11, 2001 the need for air power to counter the potential terrorist threat has increased the importance for fighter protection of Canadian interests. Although it is taken for granted by many, the NORAD commitment continues to be an enduring role for the CF18 in the defence of Canada. Additionally, the need for air support to expeditionary operations continues, as witnessed by the current NATO mission in Afghanistan. This air support has been provided to Canadian troops by our NATO partners to date.
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Messages
- Canada will continue to need a fighter fleet for the foreseeable future. They are important to the defence of our vast country, a role which has taken on new importance since 9/11. They are our only means of projecting air power abroad and have done so effectively in the past.
- The investment being made to update and extend the CF18 fleet is needed and appropriate. Continuing commitment is needed to ensure that the aircraft is equipped with the necessary capabilities and appropriate weapons.
- The Canadian Government should give serious consideration to deploying CF18s to provide support to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. This would reinforce Canada’s commitment to the mission and would provide an alternative to the deployment of other forces. Furthermore, it would provide an opportunity to effectively employ joint forces in a challenging environment where effective integration of operations is critical.
Developed by: Aviation Affairs Committee
Contacts: George Macdonald,
gmacdonald@cfncon.com , (613) 232-1576
