Originally posted by Fox Molder
Did you also know that the Russian keep testing Canadian military response time and keep crossing the boarder in to Canadian air space at least once a week. The time the interception to the second. They know exactly how long it takes for the Canadian CF-18's to get there from either Bagotville or Esquimalt....... That being said...We need to get some F-35's up further north as soon as we get our hands on them !!!

You mean Bagotville and Cold Lake. Esquimalt is a naval base. There are usually a couple CF-18s based in Comox, but they are purely there for west coast missions. I think most Arctic sorties are flown from Cold Lake.

But I do think we should have an air base in the Arctic (like the US and Russians). I'm not sure where it should be placed but as far north as operationally possible. Even Yellowknife would be a vast improvement in response time.

Russia already planted their flag on the bottom of the arctic ocean with a sub. I'd say they have more claim to in now than Canada does.

Canada better stay off Russian soil.

Originally posted by Fox Molder
Did you also know that the Russian keep testing Canadian military response time and keep crossing the boarder in to Canadian air space at least once a week. The time the interception to the second. They know exactly how long it takes for the Canadian CF-18's to get there from either Bagotville or Esquimalt....... That being said...We need to get some F-35's up further north as soon as we get our hands on them !!!

*cringe* Oh God, let's not touch the F-35 subject, those planes are probably the biggest money-pits ever, we should've pumped that $ into the F-18E/F "Super-Hornet" project instead, but I digress...
I agree that a new airbase is necessary in the north, I doubt the Russians can gain anything by violating our airspace, it's what's under the ice that they want.
BTW got any sources about Russian aircraft encroachment in the Arctic, the only thing I recall is something off the Atlantic about a year ago...

Originally posted by kro32
Russia already planted their flag on the bottom of the arctic ocean with a sub. I'd say they have more claim to in now than Canada does.

Canada better stay off Russian soil.

LOL

I'm afraid that won't be enough. If it was as easy as plantin' a flag...
Believe it or not, you actually have to stay there. That flag won't defend "your newly acquired land."

Originally posted by Konstantinos

Originally posted by Fox Molder
Did you also know that the Russian keep testing Canadian military response time and keep crossing the boarder in to Canadian air space at least once a week. The time the interception to the second. They know exactly how long it takes for the Canadian CF-18's to get there from either Bagotville or Esquimalt....... That being said...We need to get some F-35's up further north as soon as we get our hands on them !!!

*cringe* Oh God, let's not touch the F-35 subject, those planes are probably the biggest money-pits ever, we should've pumped that $ into the F-18E/F "Super-Hornet" project instead, but I digress...
I agree that a new airbase is necessary in the north, I doubt the Russians can gain anything by violating our airspace, it's what's under the ice that they want.
BTW got any sources about Russian aircraft encroachment in the Arctic, the only thing I recall is something off the Atlantic about a year ago...

edit on 25-8-2011 by Konstantinos because: (no reason given)

I think at some point they are going to have to go through some more comprehensive assessment to justify the F-35 purchase. It certainly seems unclear whether its the "best choice" for our needs. Maybe we should have a mix of craft - a few F-35s for NATO commitments and another craft for other territorial defense needs? I don't know.

I think that Russia regularly flies missions to the edges of Canadian air space, although I don't know if this happens on a weekly basis. We certainly are not provided info on most incidents as they are really just "routine" exercises.

The old and decrepit CF-18's are falling apart, they cost more to repair that to purchase new. Yes the F-35 is an expensive piece but.....When you look at the bib picture, it's not all that bad. This plane should be in service for 35 years, it is completely compatible with all other joint strikers thus meaning that we can land on U.S. carriers with no refitting of planes. No need to change the refueling nozzles either, they will come standard, just like all the others. We will now be able to cross train our pilots, no more need to bring our antiques to top gun anymore.

These planes will come with a 10 year service contract, meaning..."bumper to bumper" warranty for 10 years with unlimited flight time, part included. Imagine that....

So yeah, it looks like a lot of money...Heck...It is a lot of money but this is way over do, we desperately need an air force revamp and a navy revamp. Our army just got a bunch of new toys....Let the other ones get theirs...

Thank you for the additional info.

Maybe it's time that we build out own fighter jet here in Canada......Oh....Wait....we tried that before....Remember the Avro arrow....Wow what a political fiasco that was....But really....Maybe we should build out own!!!! I'd love to see that happen again !!!

Our borders, our north, our arctic, our resources. Sorry chums, but Hands Off.

I may not agree with Harper politically on some points, but he'll gain big points with me if he shows that he's willing to step up and tell anyone who won't respect OUR territory and borders to "'eff off, eh". If those resources and wealth lie within our borders, it's Canada's right and no one else's to decide what happens with it.
And if you ask me, there could be some major Canadian jobs to be created by securing and tapping those resources, no? Something for the politicians to consider...