The military is so far removed from a lot of people that most can't imagine that. A huge part of why people like me (tail end of my military career) are so passionate about this purchase, is that I see the young men and women that will operate this kit regularly. I've mentored some of them...

Public opinion is with the RCAF on this: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/canadians-say-selecting-the-best-fighter-jet-for-the-job-matters-more-than-jobs-nanos/

https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2025/12/05/critics-question-saabs-offer-to-bring-10000-aerospace-jobs-to-canada/

It's good to have. Dramatically reduces landing distances. So helps in poor weather. Or poor surface condition. However, we're upgrading our airfields to minimize the need. But that's just our fields. In a pinch a pilot might have to use something else. And here the chute would help.

NORAD compatibility is really about the onboard comms systems and software. Some bidders find this burdensome to integrate. Soe don't. And we don't technically need the F-35 to do NORAD. That was a minimum requirement last time. And Gripen met it too. The current public discourse is wholly...

We might be joining GCAP apparently. As per the Italian Defence Minister. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/italy-says-germany-other-countries-may-be-interested-gcap-jet-programme-2025-12-04/

They've probably started to understand that the promises need scrutiny. The Brazilians were given the same promises we are now. Most of that didn't materialize. Also, Carney's focus was repatriating defence dollars. Not stop buying everything from the US, as the conspiracies have moved on...

You understand that 2060 is 35 years away right? This is exactly why the RCAF is so opposed to any 4th gen. Not just the Gripen. The USAF took delivery of their their F-16 in 2005. We're being asked to take delivery of an upgraded equivalent of that in the 2030s. In a world where the major...

Sounds like a good reason for a top up order.....

Would those restrictions apply if VIA purchased additional coaches and all trains were over 32 axles?

I haven't been tracking enough. Can someone give me an easy explainer on the 32 axle limit and why it cause VIA heartburn?

I assume three stations is not in Toronto but the GTA. Union. Scarborough. And Durham. No? And wouldn't that make sense for the catchment to reduce backtracking for users. At minimum there needs to be a GTA East station.

That's more about what we want to sell than what we'll buy. I don't think it necessarily forces our procurement that way. Especially since ties with Japan and SK are of growing importance.

I really want to know what the Alto-Metrolinx and Alto-Exo relationships are like. Both seem crucial to delivering HSR. And there will have to be co production on whatever corridor is developed.

I've said this elsewhere. I've got a quarter century in the CAF. This is by far the fastest I've ever seen a government move. We should have been doing all these reforms decades ago. But better late than never.