DND said the RCAF was unable to participate because \u0027many of our aircraft and personnel are currently committed to modernization activities\u0027
Canadian governments have long defended their relative underspend on defence by urging its allies to look at the quality of its contribution, not the quantity — and to appreciate that Canada always answers the call.Article contentMark Norman, a former vice-chief of the defence staff, said it is unusual for Canada to be absent from such a major exercise, a move that he said will have provoked disappointment and embarrassment inside the military.
But he said the $19-billion purchase of a new fighter fleet, starting in 2026 and with final delivery expected in 2033, has been used as a crutch by the federal government. “Ultimately, the decision should have been made years ago,” he said. The Liberal government announced that it plans to buy 88 F-35s in January — 13 years after the Harper government said it intended to go with the Lockheed-Martin-built jet.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that the money set aside by the government is not enough to fund existing commitments to acquire the new jets and the surface combatant ships. When asked why Canada is not involved in Germany this week, Defence Minister Anita Anand told reporters that Canada is involved in numerous NATO operations and is leading the battle group in Latvia. “I’m actually heading to NATO this week to participate in the defence minister’s meeting and I’ll be taking up Canada’s continued contribution at that time,” she said.Article content
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