Vanguard Magazine

N O R A D M O D E R N I Z AT I O N Logistics (PAIL) and ATCO Frontec Lim- ited in Calgary, Alberta. Between 2001 and 2014, Nasittuq provided a broad range of support for NWS radar and lo- gistic sites and currently do the same for Canadian Forces Station Alert at the tip of Ellesmere Island, Nunavut. The ability to make good with this promise of economic inclusion will be closely watched by key stakeholders as well as opposition parties. The second issue deals with Canadian position on North American ballistic mis- sile defence (BMD). Under Prime Minis- ter Paul Martin, the government decided in 2005 not to participate in BMD for a variety of reasons such as public opposi- tion, concern over the weaponization of space, and potentially destabilizing the status quo between the US and Russia. However, the potential threat from rogue nations capable of threatening North America with a ballistic missile and the advent hypersonic weapon systems have renewed BMD debate. Responsible for aerospace control, aerospace warning, and maritime warning, NORAD has the man- date to alert both Canadian and US gov- ernments of a ballistic missile attack but does not have the authority or capabil- ity to defend against it. Defensive assets must be requested via national channels introducing various levels of complexity and delay in responding to a threat. As NORAD modernization proceeds apace, the Command will increase its ability to detect threats, but corresponding im- provements to command and controls authorities and functions will not permit it to deal with the threat in a timely and efficient manner. However, during recent interviews, Minister Anand has indicated that all options are under consideration leaving open the possibility of a reversal in Canada's position. NORAD has been, is, and will be an important element of Canada's defence. The government's commitment to ensur- ing that NORAD is prepared for future threats has consistently been a central facet of its defence policy for many years and, perhaps prompted by recent global events, it has made a sizeable investment in the bi- national command. Modernizing is always necessary, but never easy especially for an organization as large and multifaceted as NORAD. Progress, albeit slowly, is being made. Challenges persist, not the least of which are the glacial pace of the procure- ment policy, lack of staff, both in and out of uniform, to move the projects forwards, and ever-changing fiscal pressures on the government. Nevertheless, a modernized NORAD is important for Canadian secu- rity in an increasingly unstable and dan- gerous world. William "Bill" March served for almost 42 years in the Canadian Armed Forces / Royal Canadian Air Force before retiring in 2019. He now works as an independent contrac- tor and author specializing in Canadian aerospace power. Corporal Muise from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, surveys a North Warning System RADAR tower in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut during Operation NANOOK, August 16, 2019. Photo by Aviator Melissa Gloude NORAD has been, is, and will be an important element of Canada's defence. The government's commitment to ensuring that NORAD is prepared for future threats has consistently been a central facet of its defence policy for many years and, perhaps prompted by recent global events, it has made a sizeable investment in the bi- national command. www.vanguardcanada.com JUNE/JULY 2023 15

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