Now that America has begun a trade war with Canada, it is time to reconsider all existing and future military procurement plans in order to ensure Canada will receive all weapons platforms in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Aircraft contracts for the 88 F-35 fighters, should be reconsidered and the Saab Gripen E looked at once again as an alternative. The Gripen E was the alternative choice. It now should become Canada’s first choice. Canada will be procuring new ships (CSC Programs River Class) 12-16 new AIP under-ice capable submarines, IFV’s for the army and new patrol aircraft.
All of these systems should now be purchased from NATO allies in Europe and where possible, manufactured in Canada.
It is questionable that America will be willing to provide Canada with its required weapons systems, and to ensure that Canada is not again held hostage by America, all future weapons systems should come from either the EU, UK, Germany, Korea or Japan.
Inking agreements with Japanese and Korean weapons manufacturers will also expand Canada’s military industrial complex to locations both East and West within the country.
No purchases should be sourced from America, including a walk back of purchases of the F-35 and P-8A. A better option would be either the Saab Gripen E, the Eurofighter or France’s Rafale aircraft. Kawasaki’s P-1 should replace the P-8A.
IFV options are extensive including those from Britain and Germany, and AIP Submarines should either be of German, Swedish or Japanese design.
The replacement aircraft for Canada’s Coastal Reconnaissance, presently the P-8A should be cancelled and replaced with the Kawasaki P-1, although a more expensive, yet more capable platform.
Canada’s military will undoubtedly grow due to threats from America and Russia. Military procurement for an increase in the size of Canada’s ground forces, and the possible, some would now say, probable introduction of conscription in Canada, will result in significant purchases of IFV’s, main battle tanks, anti-tank man-pad weapons systems, air defence, air munitions and ancillary combat arms and night vision equipment.
Missile systems should also be purchased by reliable NATO weapons manufacturers.
All future military procurement should come from NATO allies in Europe or from Japan and Korea in order to ensure compatibility and operational readiness, without probable interference from America.
Contracts that maximize Canadian military industrial manufacturing and its expansion, as well as production of ammunition of all calibres, in Canada, is essential.
Lastly, Canada should adopt a Canadian Arctic Defence program which will require the construction of two large naval, army and Air Force combined based on the Northwest Passage capable of maintaining, refuelling and refitting Canada’s upcoming fleet of new submarines and surface combatants.
Canada should also consider expanding its weapon systems to include nuclear weapons from either Britain or France.
Canada can no longer trust America, and needs to react accordingly.
Trump has thrown our historical relationship into a dumpster and burned it.
Now is the time for a new relationship, one Canadians can respect and look to the future with pride at.
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