## Introduction
The debates over Canada’s next generation of fighter jets and submarines have reignited public discussion about the nation’s defence readiness and strategic direction. These procurement programs reveal how decades of short-term political thinking have left Canada struggling to modernize its military forces in an increasingly unstable global environment.
## The Procurement Dilemma
Canada’s approach to defence procurement has long been shaped by shifting political priorities and fiscal caution. Projects such as the F-35 fighter jet acquisition and the forthcoming submarine replacement have faced delays, ballooning costs, and frequent policy reversals.
Defence analysts argue that this inability to commit to a consistent long-term plan puts national security and industrial capacity at risk.
> “Canada keeps re-learning the same lessons about the cost of delay,” said one defence expert.
The ongoing debates illustrate a tension between military needs, political considerations, and industrial benefits, with each new government revisiting earlier decisions.
## Canada’s Strategic Context
As global security threats evolve, Canada’s traditional reliance on allies—particularly the United States—faces limitations. The country’s aging fleet of CF-18s and its nearly obsolete submarines highlight the urgency of recapitalization. However, defence modernization competes with domestic spending priorities and limited public appetite for large-scale military investment.
This tension has made it difficult to articulate a coherent national defence strategy that extends beyond electoral cycles.
## Calls for a Broader Vision
Experts emphasize the need for a defence vision extending fifty years into the future, rather than reacting to immediate crises or political pressures. Stable, transparent procurement frameworks would support domestic industries while ensuring the military stays operationally relevant.
> “Strong foresight and early investment are cheaper than last-minute catch-up,” noted another security analyst.
## The Way Forward
To avoid repeating costly cycles of indecision, policymakers are urged to prioritize predictability and strategic continuity. Canada’s credibility within NATO and its ability to protect Arctic sovereignty depend on a modern, well-equipped, and consistently funded defence program.
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**Author’s summary:** The article explains how Canada’s short-term defence decisions and repeated procurement delays threaten national security and strain alliances, urging a shift toward long-term strategic planning.
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CBC.ca — 2025-12-01