Page 61 - Renorming of Airpower: The F-35 Enters the Combat Fleet

The Renorming of Airpower: The F-35 Arrives into the Combat Force

Any time conflict is part of the equation, defense capabilities come into play, and they come into play in
reinforcing so-called soft power as well. 21st century military power is clearly interwoven with 21st century
security and diplomacy. It is not to be understood primarily as the sledgehammer but as a key contextual
element integrated within diplomacy and security efforts to protect national operational sovereignty.

A key task is to shape and craft an Arctic Grid to provide for safety, security and defense in the High North.
This is not a task for a year, but for the decade ahead. In an interview, we did with Chris McLean and Richard
Bray of Frontline Defence during a visit to Ottowa, we discussed the importance of shaping an Arctic grid.

“Question: If one conceptualizes that a core challenge facing Canadian sovereignty is to provide for security
and defense in the context of the Arctic opening, then major acquisitions should be made over time, and build
out to that direction.

In effect, the grid covering from Northern Europe to the Northern Pacific and over the Arctic – built with allied
collaboration – is clearly a key challenge but also one which could focus Canadian force development and
also defense and security investments. It could also guide a way to think about public-private partnerships in
the region, and tapping into the ongoing development of various Canadian civilian capabilities that are
relevant to the Arctic opening.

Bray: That makes a great deal of sense, and could focus our attention on the ISR and C2 streams, which we
need to build out over time.

I’m not convinced we understand what the data from surveillance platforms and other tools will be like, the
challenges that such a data stream will present to the operator, or the opportunities it will present to the
commander. It’s like being given access to a giant database without the software tools to extract meaning.

As it gathers and sifts more data (and faster), will it be like antilock brakes, allowing you stay 30 feet closer
to the vehicle ahead of you? Or will it allow you to complete the mission in a completely different way?

These kinds of assets allow you to get yourself deeper and faster into a situation. So, if the speed of
engagement and the amount of data being acquired could quickly become overwhelming without effective
software.

The challenge will be to have the data, to verify the data against cyber spoofing, and to integrate enough of
the data in order to have the kind of decision-making necessary in a fluid environment.

Bray continued to focus on the grid in a later piece on Front Line Defence.

“A key requirement for Canada will be to shape a grid to cover the full geography, including her Arctic
interests. If one conceptualizes that a core challenge facing Canadian sovereignty is to provide for security
and defense in the context of the Arctic opening, then major acquisitions should be made over time, and built
out to that direction.

In effect, the grid covering from Northern Europe to the Northern Pacific and over the Arctic – built with allied
collaboration – is clearly a key challenge but also one which could focus Canadian force development and
also defense and security investments. It could also guide a way to think about public-private partnerships in
the region, and tapping into the ongoing development of various Canadian civilian capabilities that are
relevant to the Arctic opening.”

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