The U.S. Strong-Arming Canada on NORAD Defence

"Frankly we don't need fifth [generation jet fighters] to defend our borders."

"Those capabilities are better used overseas where their stealth, air-to-ground weapons and penetration capability are needed." 

"I would like to see continued modernization of [the] fourth-generation fighter fleet."

U.S. Air Force General Gregory M. Guillot, head, joint U.S.-Canada NORAD   

A U.S. F-35 fighter jet performs during the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)  

 

 In Canada, General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence forces, is on record as stating that the 
Canadian Forces require the U.S.-built fighter jet F-35 to defend Canada's Arctic territory. The Canadian Forces themselves emphasize that the F-35 is a required component in plans to modernize the North American Aerospace Defence Command of NORAD. Also stressing an absolute requirement for fifth-generation aircraft for Canada's defence is Commander Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

 

The Liberal government of then-prime minister Justin Trudeau in 2023 announced the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin in the United States. This, when years earlier Justin Trudeau had expressed his disdain for the planes when the previous Conservative-led government of then-prime minister Stephen Harper planned to order them. Trudeau's intent was to 'scrap' the planned purchase claiming Harper's "dream" aircraft would turn out to be a "nightmare" for the Canadian taxpayer.

 

Then along came Mark Carney with the Liberal government carrying on its agenda, with an review ordered of the F-35 contract spurred by threats made by President Trump against Canadian sovereignty. It seemed feasible that 15 of the F-35s which the Liberals had committed to would proceed, leaving an additional 72 of the Stealth fighters in doubt, while flirting with the prospect of filling in with Sweden's Saab fighter planes, the Gripen fighter jet, as a F-35 alternative. 

 

An illustration provided by Saab shows its fighter jet concept. The company was tasked by the Swedish military to design the next generation of fighters and autonomous flight systems. (Saab)

 

The Canadian Forces remain steadfast in recommending Canada proceed with its original intent to contract for all 88 F-35s; an expression of Canadian military leaders committed to working closely with their American counterparts, viewing the F-35 as pivotal in full integration between the two forces. There is a troubling aspect of the F-35 contract, parts of which would be produced in Canada, but entirely controlled by the U.S. military to the extent of their software which could be manipulated at any time against Canadian wishes. 

 

Another issue is the type of plane Canada plans to buy, the Block 4 version of the F-35, $6-billion over budget, five years behind schedule, revealed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Pressure has been applied by the U.S. on Canada to return to its original purpose of the full contract. The American ambassador to Ottawa, Pete Hoekstra, warned Canada dire consequences could ensue should the  government fail to commit to the F-35; that the Gripen would fail to be "interchangeable, interoperable" with the U.S.-operated F-35s. 

 

And here is General Guillot, head of NORAD, refuting the notion that the F-35 is needed by his combined U.S.-Canada force. Considered the most advanced type of aircraft, General Guillot hit back against its use for NORAD. NORAD's needs, he stated, are for fourth-generation fighter jets, modernized for current usage; the F-015EX, an aircraft produced by Boeing, in service with the U.S. and Israel. 

 

Boeing, F-15EX

 

"Canada has been flying different aircraft from the USAF in NORAD for 40-plus years and controls its jets through Winnipeg, and the F-35's stealth is irrelevant in NORAD because Russian bombers do not have air-to-air radar."

"[Hoekstra is] babbling nonsense." 

Bill Sweetman, U.S. aviation writer