Yes, it is a hypothetical question. But think about the situation.
There is nothing hypothetical about knowing whether Canada would be in a position to conduct the same operation that we did in Libya without the AWACS system. In other words, if Canada were asked to provide the same involvement today in terms of covering Libyan airspace, would we be able to do it given that we are no longer part of the AWACS program that provides the F-18s with information about their targets?