Government Operations committee  Very well.

Government Operations committee  Of course, we are pleased that the procurement process for the next fighters has reached a certain stage, and the date for the new aircraft to enter operational service has been set for 2025. We need them to ensure our interoperability with the Americans. They have also started discussions on radar, as well as research on other systems, with a view to implementing space surveillance systems that are also located at ground level to increase the overall command capabilities.

Government Operations committee  I would categorize the evolution of the threat as incredible. General VanHerck actually always says that the current environment is one of the most complex he has seen since he started his career, and I would echo that. What we have seen is that both Russia and China have looked at the way we have done business over the last 15 years, and even more.

Government Operations committee  I thank the member for his question. Of course, the needs remain. NORAD has indicated the need for domain awareness, not only on the air defence side, but also on the maritime defence side. As you mentioned, funding was provided by the Canadian government last year to maintain the current system, which is the North Warning System, until it is replaced by a system with increased capabilities.

Government Operations committee  Mr. Chair and members of the committee, good afternoon. My name is Alain Pelletier and I am the deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defence Command, NORAD, here in Colorado Springs, in the state of Colorado. I've held a broad range of roles across the Canadian Armed Forces that include the director of air requirements, chief of the fighter capability program, deputy commander of the continental U.S.