I think we need an industrial policy. If Canada were to establish one, there would be daily exchanges with people in the industry. It would not just be when we need to discuss a contract and we make a request for information to see what is available. Then it takes up to two years to get the information and another 10 years to actually get what you need. For example, the drones that Canada has purchased belong to an outdated generation of technology, and yet they will be used for future conflicts.
We need to be having a daily conversation with people in the industry, with Canada saying it is prioritizing aeronautics because it is an economic powerhouse, helps support the artificial intelligence and hi-tech sectors, and contributes to national security.
The answers to the questions about what exists and what technologies are available and can be produced in Canada will already be known. We will then be able to say that we will make preliminary orders to acquire a few prototypes. If that works out, we will be able to make a bulk order.
It's something you have to do on a daily basis. We can't wait 15 years, realize that our entire fleet is becoming obsolete and then decide to buy everything at the same time.
I hope that this lack of planning will be corrected in the defence policy update. If we only conduct a review every four years, we will always be asking ourselves questions. Your work on the committee will be essential in keeping this information updated daily. However, until the relationship between industry and the Department of National Defence is strengthened, this conversation will always be happening too late.