WRITER PROFILE
Since retiring from his position as Logistics Officer in the Canadian Air Force (2004), Major Robert Day continues his passion for research and military analysis as a military historian. His military service has included posting in almost every region of the country and in Canadian Forces Europe. He has several degrees including an MA in War Studies from RMC where he was the Hunt Prize winner as the top graduate of his graduating year.
Articles by this writer
Are recent demonstrations of Russian military prowess just a façade?
Of the many flashpoints developing around the world, Russia and China are two simmering challenges. Are they going to erupt or stay the course?
The current situation in Eastern Europe reveals that the “Cold War” between democracy and communism has never truly been put to rest.
Were Western democracies naïve to Russian and Chinese agendas?
Ensuring sufficient experienced project management staff are in place is the first step in returning to efficiency.
Increased criminal, commercial and naval activities along our western coast will influence Naval fleet considerations.
A number of false assumptions have led to foreseeable logistics failures.
Are political pundits and financial analysts trying to write off the USA prematurely?
A response to the ''Platform Procurement'' editorial from last edition.
Is it time to chart a new path? Many questions must be considered when preparing for negotiations regarding future participation in NATO.
Examining the option of nuclear-powered submarines to enhance protection of Canadian littoral waters.
Many of us wish we could turn the clock back 30 years to a simpler, safer time, but we cannot avoid the reality of the modern world.
What does the future hold for defence funding and procurement?
MBDA HARDBUT testing; enhanced Leopard tanks arrive; SLAMRAAM programme may be terminated; UK Royal Navy will now operate only one of its Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers; US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) tests as well as other testing the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime multi-mission aircraft; Japan considers extra submarines; India still considering options for fighter aircraft; UK shift Royal Navy JSF purchases from F-35B STOVL to F-35C carrier version; Thailand to procure second batch of six Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft.
We should be keeping an eye on events in the Pacific, the situation has changed dramatically in the last 60 years.
Strategic analysts are now attempting to focus on new potential future strategic trends that will impact future defence planning.
JSF costs declining, insists Lockheed Martin; Attack Helicopters; Saab officials await India or Brazil selection of JAS 39 Gripen NG fighter; Converteam UK to develop electromagnetic catapult system; Ghana to acquire 10 new Navy vessels; Chemring unveils new decoy launcher; New weapons cartridge for NATO; Chinese Howitzer gets mobile; Road blocked for New British armoured vehicle capabilities?
No other nation has followed this course of action, suggesting to their respective governments that unification is a flawed concept.
We, as a nation, can no longer accept administrative delays when it comes to enabling the Canadian Forces to provide critical security.
There is now a major debate underway among various military forces as to the appropriate caliber of rounds to be used in future conflicts.
Traditionally, Canada’s government has sought to quickly return to pre-conflict status quo after a mission ends, will history repeat?
Synopsis of defence equipment plans around the world: China: Aircraft Carrier; China: fighter craft; Nuclear Base revealed; India: Carrier; UK: Viking refurbishment; India: NAG anti-tank missile; Sweden: CV90 designs; Taiwan: UH60; China/Russia: helicopters; US: JSF
Another classic case of hasty decisions that return downstream to haunt us.
Assessing the problems and possible remedies to the dilemma of international attention and claims related to Canada’s Northern extremes. A “National Arctic Strategy” would quell further disruption.
Once upon a time, not so long ago, Canada was an aerospace powerhouse.
The procurement process is fraught with far too many interlopers who have inserted themselves into the process.
If you don’t have it, don’t count on it. There has been a concerted movement towards the development of “light” forces with agile support services. We must take time to reflect on the full impacts some of these decisions might have.
There is only one way to ensure that Canadian sovereignty is protected, and that is through the ability of the nation to exercise joint military power in concert with a strong foreign policy and an able diplomatic service.
Canada has not possessed any capability for Combat Search and Rescue since the end of the Second World War when Canadian squadrons participated in the rescue of many downed allied airmen, however, this may have to change – and very soon.
There has arisen a problem surrounding the understanding and use of the terms used to describe the governance of defence issues and problems. Growing dependence on civilian business management publications and incorrect use of these terms by government managers and civilian consultants has come to create problems for the government’s lexicon.
We require the preparation of a realistic defence policy and program that will both demonstrate our intention to protect our sovereignty, our people and our resources and our intention to fulfill our role as a meaningful action on the international scene.
