After decades of neglect, Canada's armed forces are looking at a fast-changing world, both politically and technologically.
"Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions between China and the United States, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as cyberattacks and disinformation should be shaking Canada out of its complacency," writes the National Post's Chris Lambie, who takes an up-close look at where this country is at militarily, and where it needs to be.
“We are in a really sad state; we are unarmed and undefended right now,” retired Canadian Army lieutenant-general Michel Maisonneuve tells Lambie.
“The personnel situation is horrible. The equipment situation is horrible. The training situation is horrible. When you put all these things together, that means readiness.”
Lambie notes it was not always like this for Canada. But now he breaks it down — everything from jets to subs to tanks to drones to drone defence.
Writes Lambie; "Decades of insufficient funding, painfully slow procurement and declining numbers of troops have resulted in what some have described as Canada’s “boutique” military — capable of niche operations and deployments, but not much more.
"At a time of increased tensions globally and closer to home, National Post talked to several current and former military commanders, as well as military observers, about the neglected state of Canada’s military, and what they say is needed to boost the nation’s defences and security."
Read the story here
