Norman Paterson School of International Affairs Professor Philippe Lagassé told CBC the US could “probably” prevent upgrades or new parts for Canada’s offensive fighter jets, but the “entire armed forces has this problem.”
Former F-35 test pilot and retired lieutenant-colonel Billie Flynn echoed Lagassé.
“There is nothing unique about the vulnerability of the F-35”, Flynn noted. “Remember that every missile that we own and fire on the CF-18s and all our frigates, all our offensive weapons are American and necessarily the United States government has control over what’s loaded into the latest version.”
Canada’s military is desperate to avoid this discussion. According to retired Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, “senior officers are likely terrified by the perceived abandonment of their USAF [United States Air Force] relationships” that’s been caused by questioning the F-35 purchase. The RCAF leadership is facing a “crisis of identity”, adds Norman, since they have “a cultural bias towards the USAF”.
Genuinely insane thing to say.
I can tell you for an absolute fact that every infanteer in the CAF is talking about how they would fight an American invasion to the bitter end, even if a surrender was called. Even the guys who are vocal Trump fans are ready to fight like hell for their country. Any one of these people would knock you the fuck out if you dared suggest they would turn traitor.