Thank you, Deputy.
Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, ladies and gentlemen, bonjour. Thank you for this opportunity to contribute to this important discussion on replacing Canada's fighter jets.
As mentioned in the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Canadian Forces need to replace our aging CF-18 fleet with new fighter aircraft to help our military personnel defend our sovereignty, to remain a credible partner in the defence of North America and to give Canada efficient and modern air capacity for international operations.
Following the announcement of that strategy in 2008, we analyzed the current and future operating environments and associated threats. We assessed current and emerging technologies and derived capability gaps that would be a reality in the 2020 era and for the follow-on 30 years. What became clear to us is that many nations are actively engaged in developing and fielding advanced technologies that will seriously challenge current fighter capabilities.
We also expect to see these advanced technologies proliferate in ways that will be difficult to anticipate and control. This is what formed the basis of our operational requirements for the next-generation fighter aircraft. Requirements focused on mission success and aircrew safety. This analysis led to a statement of operational requirements, including mandatory capabilities that clearly pointed toward a fifth-generation fighter.
The bottom line is that tomorrow's operating environment will require stealth, the ability to sense and process vast quantities of information in a very short time, and the ability to operate with others, starting with our closest allies, anywhere around the globe.
Based on our analysis and my responsibilities as the commander of the RCAF, I recommended the only aircraft available that could effectively deliver operational success and optimize the safety of our crews.
While the next generation fighter procurement process continues, I am going to provide the National Fighter Aircraft Procurement Secretariat with the information it requires to assume its coordination and oversight responsibilities. With my staff, I am confident of the successful transition to the next generation fighter aircraft, while discharging my accountability to deliver the operational capacity that our country requires.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.