Canada plans large-scale decommissioning of military equipment

Canada is considering a massive decommissioning of outdated equipment as the country moves towards a more modernised army.

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Defence Minister Bill Blair recently announced that the armed forces could soon say goodbye to their outdated ships, aircraft and weapons systems, which have become too difficult and expensive to maintain.

Among them are the T-114 Tutor jet trainer aircraft, which have reached the end of their useful life and have already been involved in several accidents. They have been in service with Ottawa since around the 1960s. While it is possible to upgrade the avionics, which could keep the aircraft in service until 2030, Blair said the T-114s have obviously reached the end of their usefulness.

"There are even some safety issues that I'm deeply concerned about, and I've been assured that during this flying season. They will be able to handle them safely, but it is still a concern," he explained.

In addition to the jet trainers, the Canadian military will soon decommission its old Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels. Blair said that the ships are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain, as they have been in service since the late 1990s.

In addition, the Canadian Navy has announced that it will replace its four Victoria-class submarines with 12 modern conventional attack submarines.

Source: CBC