Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the AG for appearing before committee.
Ma'am, you talked about challenges regarding the CF-35 program, including a lack of integrated planning and coordination, insufficient infrastructure readiness, and gaps in workforce and recruiting. We know that having a modern, agile and effective fighter jet fleet is key to Canada's defence of its airspace and of North American airspace.
As we make the strategic investment away from the existing CF-18 fighter jets to a new fleet, what factors must be taken into account to reduce operational capability gaps and reliance on our partners?