canada's air force

7/30/2019 Canada's Air Force

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Canadas Air Force: Ability to Fulfill Roles

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Introduction

The Air Force of any nation is one of the most significant elements of its Military

force. Within Canada this is no different with Canadas Air Force given the role to

safeguard Canadas massive airspace. The Canadian Air Force has an illustrious past

especially over the skies of Europe during World War 2. During the Cold War Canadas

Air Force had the role of patrolling Canadas skies and safeguarding them in the event of

a Soviet attack or incursion. Recently Canadas Air Force has been involved in NATO

campaigns and the War on Terror within the war torn nation of Afghanistan. However

many have argued that Canadas current Air Force, now part of the Amalgamated

Canadian Forces, and is now unable to fulfill the roles that it has been assigned due to

persistent under funding. Others have countered this argument by asserting the current

modernization projects carried out in line with the new post September 11 atmosphere. In

this paper we will examine the Canadian air force and argue that it is indeed able to

perform its current missions and will be able to more so in the future. In order to do this

we will begin by briefly describing Canadas Air Forces and the current makeup of the

Canadian Air Force fleet. Secondly we will discuss the effects of the Cold War on

Canadas Air Force. Thirdly we will examine criticisms of the Canadian Air Force.

Fourthly we will present a case study of the involvement of Canadas Air Forces in

Kosovo. Fifthly we will examine the effects of the September 11th attacks on the

Canadian Air Force and its role. Sixthly we will examine the current role of the Canadian

Air Force. Seventhly we will examine Modernization Projects which the fleet is currently

undergoing in order to allow it to fulfill its roles. Eighthly we will discuss future plans for

Canadas Fleet.

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Fleet Makup

The Canadian Air Force as it was known during World War 2 no longer exists

today. Currently Canadas Air force is part of the integrated Canadian Forces Command

structure and in 1975 placed under the Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM),

however it is still commonly known as the Canadian Air Force. Thus Air Command is

responsible for all aircraft within the Canadian Fleet. Current Canadian Air Forces are

composed of 14,500 regular personnel, 2,600 reserve forces and 2,500 civilians1. The

fleet is composed of a variety of active aircraft including recon aircraft, helicopters,

transports and fighters. The flagship of the Canadian fleet is the CF-18 Hornet, a variant

of the American F-18 multirole fighter, of which Canada has 98. The next largest

segment of the force is helicopters including the CH-146 Griffon (Bell 412) Utility

Transport Tactical Helicopter (UTTH) and the CH-124 Sea King ship based transport

helicopters of which Canada has 85 and 27 respectively. Canada also has a fleet of 30 C-

130 Hercules transports and a 19 CP-140 Aurora Patrol/Anti Submarine Aircraft2. The

current fleet makeup is largely an effect of the end of the Cold War

Effect of the End of the Cold War

Geopolitical events have a played a large role in the reduction of Canadas Air

Forces. With the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991 the end of the Cold War officially

occurred. Thus as early as 1989 with the fall of the Berlin wall the reduction of Canadas

defense budget was discussed to address fiscal imbalances. This policy was cemented

with the 1994 White Paper which called for a general force reduction in line with fiscal

responsibilities3. For the Canadian Air Force these budget cuts meant a 25% fleet

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reduction. In order to achieve this the Air Force retired its 45 strong CF-5 fleet and cut

the number of operational fighter aircraft from 72 to between 48 and 60. These force

reductions were achieved in 1999. Canadas Air Forces today encompass 48% fewer

regular force military personnel, 69% fewer civilians, 56% fewer aircraft and 59% fewer

flying hours then in 1989 4. Thus we can see that the end of the Cold War had an

extreme impact on the Canadian Air Forces fleet and subsequently its capabilities.

Criticism

The criticism of the Canadian Air Forces stems mainly from the overall nature of

the aging fleet which is a result of persistent military under funding which has affected all

branches of the Canadian Forces. These result from the cost reduction strategies explored

above implemented in the Post Cold War atmosphere which has seen a reduction of

Canadas Air Force from half the levels of personnel and aircraft seen since 1989. The

current flagship of the Canadian fleet is now over a quarter century old with questions of

the reliability of these aircraft with technologies based on 1970s designs. However it is

the CH-124 Sea King which is the most controversial and criticized with many regarding

these aircraft, that were in the mid 1960s, as unreliable and outdated. Some criticisms

stem from claims that the Sea Kings are one of the most unreliable aircraft within the

fleet needing over 30 hours of maintenance for every hour in the air. The aircraft have

serious engine, airframe and avionic issues which lead to them being grounded around

40% of the time. Unlike many other criticisms of Government programs these criticism

have not fell upon deaf ears with the Command stating that in hindsight these reductions

were undertaken without the benefit of a comprehensive and coherent forward looking

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strategy. The rapidity and frequency of the reductions did not allow sufficient time for a

strategy to be developed. The culminate effects of these reductions are starting to expose

unexpected and unintended adverse consequences.5

Canadian Air Forces in Kosovo

Though there has been criticism of Canadas Air Force it is by no means an

ineffective or obsolete force, as demonstrated by its involvement in Operation ECHO

within the Kosovo conflict. As a NATO member Canada has certain responsibilities in

terms of NATO missions. The NATO actions in Kosovo heavily involved Canadian Air

Forces. In order to assess the capabilities of the Canadian Air Force we shall examine the

role that Canada played within this NATO mission. On March 24th 1999 four CF-18

Hornets took off from the Aviano Air Base in Italy towards planned targets within

Kosovo. These forces were part of the 16 aircraft Canadian contingent and part of a much

larger NATO strike force6. The Canadian forces were fitted with Laser guided precision

munitions and assigned ground targets within Kosovo. This was one of the most

extensive missions for Canadian Air Forces since the end of World War 2. At the end of

the conflict Canadian Air Forces would have flown 678 combat sorties over nearly 2600

flying hours 7, delivering 532 bombs battling targets within Kosovo and Yugoslavia.

However Canadas role in this conflict was not simply in terms of bombing runs using

precision guided munitions, they were also responsible for a large number of air patrol

missions and were fitted with Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles in the event that

enemies were engaged in the skies above Kosovo. In terms of interoperability Colonel

DA Davies sums up this fact well We led over half of all missions flewthe bulk of the

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remainder were led by US forces. Interoperability, given the absolute predominance of

the US forces meant interoperability with US procedures. We train frequently with them

and have a capability second to none in this area8. The overall strength of Canadas force

is demonstrated by the fact that during the conflict while Canada possessed only 2

percent of the aircraft that were involved they flew almost 10 percent of the Battle Air

Interdiction Missions9 which were the highest risk and most significant missions of the

war10.

Post September 11th Security Context and Transformation

Though the end of the Cold War signaled a significant change in defense policy

and spending another event would redefine the role of the Canadian Air Force once

again; the events of September 11th 2001. This significantly altered focus is re-iterated in

a series of Canadian policy documents The Aerospace Capability Framework: a guide to

transform and develop Canadas air force (ACF), released in 2003, Security above all:

Transforming Canadas Air Force (SAA) released in 2004 and Strategic Vectors: The

Air Force Transformation Vision (SV) also released in 1994. These documents reflect

Canadas increased commitments in light of the new post September 11th atmosphere.

The current key objectives of the Canadian Air Force, as outlined in the ACF, are to

defend Canada, to contribute to the defense of North America in cooperation with the

United States and to contribute to international peace and security11

. This is in line with

the new security paradigm which stands at the core of the Canadian Air Force in the post

September 11th atmosphere.

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The SAA document makes clear the need to modernize Canadas force in light of

these new global trends and in order to counteract the results of fiscal cuts which have

caused Canadas Air Force has become a fragile organization; one that requires further

changes a transformation to reach the demands of the future12. These transformations

will ensure that National Security is a top priority and that the Canadian forces have the

capabilities to swiftly and effectively provide security for the Canada of the future in the

world of tomorrow13. The transformation has been outlined extensively in the SV

document which defines it as a process of strategic re-orientation in response to

anticipated or tangible change to the security environment designed to shape a nations

armed forces to ensure their continued effectiveness and relevance14. The document also

sets out 8 vectors which will form the backbone of the Canadian Air Force in the New

Security situation and enable it to fulfill its security roles. These include Results focused

operational capability, responsive expeditionary capability, transparent interoperability,

transformed aerospace capabilities, transformation enabling leadership, multi skilled and

well educated people, actively engaging Canadians and improved resource stewardship15.

Though the Canadian Air Force is committed to transformation they have also kept a

prudent attitude towards fiscal responsibility and planning.

Towards this end all these documents emphasize the need to generate, employ

and sustain high quality combat capable, interoperable and rapidly deployable task

tailored forces. We will exploit leading edge doctoring and international roles in the

battlefield of the 21st century and be recognized both at home and abroad as an innovate,

relevant and knowledge based institution16. The main transformation of this force will

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involve the move from a static platform focused air force to an expeditionary, network

enabled compatibility based and results focused aerospace force. The need to transform

Canadas current force also reflects the global nature of security as emphasized in the

post September 11th context. The Air Force must now be capable to deploying, being

employed, sustained and redeploying from locations including those that are unprepared,

around the globe17. Within the ACF document one of the most significant threads has

been the concept of interoperability given the importance of combined and joint

operations in the future, it is critical the air force do everything possible to ensure

interoperability with other services and nations.

The doctrine of aerospace capability as outlined in these three important policy

documents demonstrates the overall ideal of a transformation of the force into an

aerospace force. Aerospace is defined as the use of both air and space to allow the Air

Force to fulfill its roles. However is stands in contrast to the use of space based

weaponization which Canada opposes. Demonstrating the need for an increasing

technological role of the Canadian Air Force.

Current Role of Canadian Forces

The current role of the Canadian Air Force is described in the ACF as

safeguarding sovereignty, defending the nation, protecting the citizens of the nations,

protecting the resources of the nation, projecting power abroad and projecting interests

abroad 18.This clearly falls into line with those outlined within the various documents.

These involve a primarily stance towards security: of our homeland, our continent and the

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world. The Canadian Air Force is currently concentrated on the US-led war in

Afghanistan. Canadas operational force is known as Operation Athena with the air

detachment of this force composed of a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) unit

comprised primarily of personnel from 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (438 ETAH)

based in St-Hubert, Quebec, and members from 5 RALC in Val Cartier19 This force is

equipped with 9 CH-146 Griffon helicopters. The Canadian Air Force is also actively

involved in a number of UN missions but many of these are simply observation missions

including Air Force Personnel. The other main role of the Canadian forces is to protect

Canadian Sovereignty and protect NORAD, roles which is currently engaged in.

Modernization Projects

We shall examine three modernization programs which the Canadian Fleet is

currently undergoing in order to ensure that these aircraft remain reliable and viable

options within the future. These shall be examined with some degree of detail because it

is these modernization projects which will ensure that the Canadian Air Force is able to

fulfill the roles outlined in the policy documents examined above and will ensure the

viability of the force in the future. All these modernization plans are outlined within the

Planned Transformation (Chapter 5) section of The ACF. As we can see through the CF-

18 Incremental modernization program much of the initiates undertaken were done so in

order to bring the aircraft up to spec with NATO allies.

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CP-140 Aurora

We shall being by discussing the Aurora Incremental Modernization Project

(AIMP) which specifically addresses the need to update and upgrade the CP-140 Aurora

aircraft. This program will address the 18 CP-140s that Canada has within its fleet many,

of which have surpassed 20,000 hours of flight time. The cost of this program is

estimated to be $1.67 billion and will be accomplished in 4 blocks combining 23

individual projects slated to be completed by 2010. Within the respective blocks the

avionics (flight recorders, radio and antenna gear), navigation equipment, communication

and an air to surface missile system will be added. The 4 phases of this project shall

include 4 blocks. Block I will be legacy projects, block II will be an extensive upgrade of

the navigation systems, Block III will upgrade the Communications, DMS sensors and

acoustic capability group, Block IV will be other upgrades. Block III will be composed of

extensive upgrades broken into 3 groups. To show the extensiveness of these projects we

shall examine one section of Block III upgrades. This is Data Management Systems and

Sensors group and will include upgrades to mission computer, operation mission

simulator, imaging radar, electro optical system, electronic support measures, stand off

air to surface weapons capability, magnetic anomaly detector modernization, defensive

electronic warfare system. Once the modernization project is completed the force will

remain viable until 2025. One important upgrade as described in the ACF is the

implementation of the C4ISR capability (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)

which will enable the aircraft air surface and subsurface surveillance capability from its

current role as a long range patrol aircraft. This will also give the CP-140 increased

capabilities to perform boarder roles in air, land and maritime operations. This

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modernization program should expand the Estimated Life Expectancy of the CF-140

from 2010 to 2025.

CH-146 Griffon

The CH-146 Griffon helicopter shall also undergo a set of intense modernization.

The Griffon is a militarized version of the Bell 412 helicopter and entered service in 1994

and is a Utility tactical transport helicopter. The modernization program will reduce the

overall fleet from 88 to 75. This program will include improvements to the fuel systems,

navigation and communication systems, night vision goggle capability and heads up

display. Other improvements involved the addition of a self protection system including

advanced armaments, infrared suppression system and defensive external warning

systems. The CH-146 is scheduled to undergo another major refit operation in the post

2010 timeframe in order to keep its systems up to date and viable.

CF-18 Hornet

The flagship of the Canadian fleet, the CF-18 Hornets, are also slated to undergo a

major upgrade this upgraded is intended to modernize the fighter force and bring them in

line with other NATO forces with the cost expected to be 2.6 billion dollars. This

modernization project was awarded to Boeing. The project was broken down into two

phases. The first phase of this project involves replacing the radar systems with one that

have triple the processing power and allow for the use of medium range missiles. One of

the most significant aspects of this modernization project is the inclusion of the APX-11

interrogator and transponder which is also known as the Identification friend or foe. The

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inclusion of these brings the force up to NATO allied standards for identification and

allow medium range missiles to be used out of range and reduce friendly fire incidents.

Further within phase I radios were updated which brought the radios now having resolved

issues of compatibility with the allied force. Moreover computer and storage systems

have been upgraded to allow for the use of advanced precision guided bombs. Finally

navigation capabilities were increased with the inclusion of GPS navigation systems.

Phase I was completed on August 31st 2006. Phase II is based heavily on electronic

modernization and advancement and includes the addition of Link 16 data systems,

which will increase interoperability with NATO allied system, the introduction and joint

helmet mounted suing system, survivable flight data recorder and upgraded electronic

warfare suite.

Thus we can see that modernization was undertaken in line with the new

transformation of the fleet as a whole. Much of these modernization initiatives also aim

to bring the aircraft up to spec with other NATO aircraft emphasizing the need for a

Canada to be an active part of the new Defense Initiatives undertaken in light of the

September 11th attacks.

Future Fleet Plans

While these Incremental Modernization Projects are meant to modernize the force

they are not meant to keep the fleet viable forever. The CF-18 is scheduled to be replaced

by the F-35 lightning fighter in 2020. Canada is a Tier 2 supporter to the JSF project

having pledged $450 million to the development of the fighter. In 2008 the Canadian Air

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Force is expected to form a New Generation Fighter Capability Project and select a

replacement aircraft by 2011 and place a contract in 2012 and expect initial deliveries by

2015. The aircraft currently being considered are the 5th generation fighters designed ion

the US being the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter20. Canada also aims to

replace its ageing Sea King fleet with the more advanced CH-148 Cyclone. This

helicopter will have advanced Data Management and sensor including image capable

radar and full night vision, self protection systems, advanced communication and

navigation systems, Armament and stores control capability and Rescue capability21.

Conclusion

In conclusion we can see that through Canadas modernization projects the

Canadian Forces have been able to maintain the viability of their force within the new

security environment that exists within the Canadian context. As is witnessed through the

Campaign in Kosovo Canadian Air Forces are able to fulfill all the roles that it must even

in light of the new doctrine of the post September 11th world. With the intensive

modernization programs underway this role can only be further strengthened. This is

further reinforced by the nature of the transformation projects as seen through the

incremental modernization project for the CF-18 which aims to increase interoperability

with allied and NATO forces. Wee can also conclude that these transformation projects

have increased the viability of the Canadian forces making them capable of meeting the

diverse security needs of Canada.

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1 Chief of the Defence Staff. The aerospace capability framework : a guide to transform and develop Canada's Air Force.

Ottawa: NDHQ, 2003.

2 Aerospace Capability Framework, 22.



5 Chief of Defense Staff. Stratigic Vectors. Ottawa: NDHQ, 2004, 22.

6 Bashow, David. Mission Ready: Canadas Role In the Kosovo Air Campaign Canadian Military JournalSpring 2000, 55-

61.

7 Bashow, 55.

8 Bashow, 58.

9 Bashow, 58.

10 Bashow, 58.

11 Aerospace Capability Framework,

12 Chief of the Defence Staff. Security above all: transforming Canada's Air Force. Ottawa: NDHQ, 2004.

13 Stratigic Vectors, 25



16

Stratigic Vectors, Chapter 4.

17 Security Above All, 7.


19 Canadian Forces Website



Works Cited


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Bashow, David. Mission Ready: Canadas Role in the Kosovo Air Campaign Canadian Military

JournalSpring 2000, 55-61.

Chief of the Defence Staff. The aerospace capability framework : a guide to transform and develop

Canada's Air Force. Ottawa: NDHQ, 2003.

Chief of Defense Staff. Stratigic Vectors. Ottawa: NDHQ, 2004, 22.

Chief of the Defence Staff. Security above all: transforming Canada's Air Force. Ottawa: NDHQ,

2004.

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