Mr. Chair, since the debate began this evening, both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence have been trying to make us believe that the American anti-missile defence plan does not constitute the weaponization of space.
But, when we look at current anti-missile defence development plans, about 30 land and sea interceptors are to be installed by fall 2004, with about 20 additional missiles to be deployed in 2005, as well as giant sea-based detection radar to be installed. No problem so far. However, a fleet of up to 24 detection satellites and space-based interceptors are being considered for 2012 and are included in the development plan.
Does the Minister of National Defence not agree that, given the development plan provided, which we have here, contrary to what he would have us believe, this does in fact constitute the weaponization of space?
This is in the development plan. Can the minister state that what I have said this evening is false? Does the development plan include a fleet of up to 24 detection satellites and orbiting interceptors as of 2012?