National Defence committee  I don't believe so, Mr. Chair. In fact, we rely on three systems. For our F‑18s, we use a strategic tanker system, a command and control system, and the fighter aircraft themselves. It is essential that we plan for this capability in the Far North. Regardless of aircraft, to be able to interdict any incursions in Canadian or North American aerospace requires the close co-operation of strategic tankers, fighter aircraft and command and control systems.

National Defence committee  I'll answer briefly, Mr. Chair. One of the great enviable things about the Canadian approach is the seamless integration of CSE, CSIS and Defence in this domain. That's not to say that no challenges remain, but it's certainly an example of how within government the cohesion between those three entities allows Canada to lead and innovate in ways that may be unexpected.

National Defence committee  Good afternoon Mr. Chair, members of the committee. My name is Stephen Kelsey, and I am the chief of Force Development at the Department of National Defence. I lead the community of planners that specialize in future force design, often referred to as “force development”. This community comprises military and civilian experts, of course, defence scientists, operational researchers, academics and industry partners.