Cross-border tensions or not, there’s growing talk in Washington that Canada and the U.S. could expand their military co-operation in a continental missile shield.
It came up last week at a U.S. Senate committee hearing, when the top-ranking Democrat reported he’d just gotten positive signals from Defence Minister Bill Blair that Canada could end decades of reluctance to join U.S. missile defence.
Rhode Island’s Jack Reed was talking about U.S. plans for a multi-faceted upgrade to the system — the project is currently nicknamed Iron Dome, a reference to Israel’s existing, albeit vastly different, system.
“I met recently with the defence minister from Canada,” Reed said, referring to Blair’s visit to Washington this month.
“They are very much interested in participating [in this initiative]. They have legal obstacles, but they assume they can jump over them.”
Joining a defense initiative with someone who wants to take us over sounds like a bad idea.
But, if it was Europe asking, maybe.
It is in both of our countries best interests, really. If we refused it would be a petty move and a point of contention between the countries that is not needed.
Besides, this is the third time such a “iron dome” strategy has been attempted by the US and each one ends up a massive money sink and waste of time. I doubt third time will be the charm here. Very high chance this leads to nothing, and if it doesn’t, whelp North America is more protected from missile strikes.
I just wonder if Mexico is invited to the iron dome…
No thanks not with current administration. Oh sorry forgot to tell you the cost is your a territory now.
If it gives us the ability to defend from missiles then it might be worth it. We can’t trust US military tech now though, and would need to be certain it is secure and independant.
Ditto. If it is secure, independent, and operated and maintained by Canadians, it is simply in the best interest of both countries. Frankly, it might be something we want to explore on our own even without the US leading it. We are an awfully large country though, and it might not be practical. But maybe we can atleast protect major population centers? Who knows. I’m out of my depth here.