Statement / December 12, 2017

Earlier this year, as part of the Strong, Secure, Engaged defence policy, the government outlined its commitment to the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. The policy also dictated what the government would require from us in turn - the sustained, concurrent employment of military forces in defence of Canada and North America.

When it comes to fighter jets, the policy is unequivocal. It requires the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to generate sufficient mission-ready aircraft to meet our domestic and international obligations - including both NATO and NORAD commitments - simultaneously. What is also unequivocal is that the RCAF cannot concurrently meet those obligations without some form of supplemental fighter capability.

The most critical thing for me as I look to the long-term health and capacity of the RCAF is the commitment made in the defence policy, and reaffirmed by the government today, to procure advanced fighter jets. Industry engagement is the first step in that process, and I am satisfied to see that step being taken.

To help address the RCAF's near-term needs, the government has announced its intent to acquire 18 Australian F-18s to augment our current fighter fleet. This is a natural fit; the Australian jets are functionally equivalent to our own CF-18s and, once converted to Canadian specifications, will provide an easy transition for our pilots, technicians, and ground crew.

I am fully confident that this supplemental capability will help the RCAF meet our domestic and international obligations until a replacement fighter is chosen and acquired.

Jonathan H Vance

General

Chief of the Defence Staff