Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, gentlemen. I'm pleased to be a member of the Standing Committee on National Defence.
Mr. Mulroney, I absolutely agree with what you said in your presentation about our current relationship with China. We also fully understand that Canada has two problems in this area, one relating to foreign affairs and the other, the decrepit Canadian Armed Forces, which are understaffed and under‑equipped.
On equipment requirements, I want to touch on two things. I want to get your thoughts on the navy. I liked Mr. Perry's comment that China did not own the seas.
Are the Canadian Forces' current plans for the design of new ships adequate?
Is there other equipment, such as submarines, for example, that should be considered? Are we on the right track in terms of naval equipment?
What do you think about the air force? Is the upcoming fleet of jets the best thing for the air force?
I'd like to hear from Mr. Perry first.