NORAD, Tactical Fighter Modernization and the F-35: Operational Considerations, Process and Politics

Abstract

Over its 60-year history, one of the most pronounced aspects of NORAD and its continental air defence mission has been the cutting edge technologies it has utilized. A key component of this area has been air defence fighters, which have been the most visible component of NORAD’s mission. Over the past two decades, Canada and the U.S. have been undertaking a major modernization of said capabilities, which has revolved around the Joint Strike Fighter program. This effort has become mired in controversy, but for somewhat different reasons. For the U.S. this was largely in regards to the cost and delays of the program as well as questions over its capabilities. While concerns remain, the program has made significant progress over the past decade, and is on its way to replace a whole inventory of DoD aircraft. Despite being an early member of the Joint Strike Fighter program, Canada’s modernization efforts have stalled since 2010. While cost and capability concerns were ostensibly the main focus of criticism, they were contextually different than those in the U.S. It illustrated a fundamental lack of understanding of military issues across a significant proportion of the population, as well as a willingness by political actors to interfere in the procurement process for their party’s gain. The consequences of this perspective may have a dramatic impact on the future of NORAD and Canada-U.S. relations.