Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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Inside Defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 2, 2026
Pete Hoekstra
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, left, says Canadians could face consequences if they don’t move forward with the full purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to replace the aging C-18s. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and DND photograph by Sgt Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 2, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 2, 2026
Pete Hoekstra
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, left, says Canadians could face consequences if they don’t move forward with the full purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to replace the aging C-18s. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and DND photograph by Sgt Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 26, 2026
David McGuinty
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The Liberals pulled a few clever moves to boost defence spending on an urgent basis, but we’re still not adding actual combat capability or modernizing existing aged weapon platforms, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 26, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 26, 2026
David McGuinty
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The Liberals pulled a few clever moves to boost defence spending on an urgent basis, but we’re still not adding actual combat capability or modernizing existing aged weapon platforms, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 19, 2026
We are being told that the Air Force will see a return to a ‘balanced fleet concept’ for the Army's rotary aircraft, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 19, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 19, 2026
We are being told that the Air Force will see a return to a ‘balanced fleet concept’ for the Army's rotary aircraft, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Triton passes an iceberg in the waters around Greenland. Photograph courtesy of NATO/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Triton passes an iceberg in the waters around Greenland. Photograph courtesy of NATO/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
Angus Topshee
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, recently spoke to CBC News about the value of acquiring an amphibious ship for the North. DND photograph by Corporal Connor Bennett
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
Angus Topshee
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, recently spoke to CBC News about the value of acquiring an amphibious ship for the North. DND photograph by Corporal Connor Bennett
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The hare-brained scheme to coerce reluctant civil servants into a third-rate volunteer force comes from the same government that is intent on disarming registered and law-abiding gun owners across Canada, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The hare-brained scheme to coerce reluctant civil servants into a third-rate volunteer force comes from the same government that is intent on disarming registered and law-abiding gun owners across Canada, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
If the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program were ramped up, the country would actually have the genesis of a national defence force worthy of the name, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Private Kareen Brochu-Harvey
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
If the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program were ramped up, the country would actually have the genesis of a national defence force worthy of the name, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Private Kareen Brochu-Harvey
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The money Canada and allies are donating to the Ukraine war effort is actually being spent in the U.S. to buy the weapons and ammunition that only the Americans can produce in the quantity necessary, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The money Canada and allies are donating to the Ukraine war effort is actually being spent in the U.S. to buy the weapons and ammunition that only the Americans can produce in the quantity necessary, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
The fight over who gets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets heated up recently, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
The fight over who gets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets heated up recently, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
One has to wonder what sort of advice Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is getting from her current legion of public affairs experts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
One has to wonder what sort of advice Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is getting from her current legion of public affairs experts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan recently told MPs that the Canadian Armed Forces is on track to recruit 7,000 personnel this fiscal year, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan recently told MPs that the Canadian Armed Forces is on track to recruit 7,000 personnel this fiscal year, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan delivered the Canadian Armed Forces’ formal apology for racial discrimination and harassment suffered by current and former members of the military on Oct. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan delivered the Canadian Armed Forces’ formal apology for racial discrimination and harassment suffered by current and former members of the military on Oct. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is doing her best to point to the progress being made, but the fact is that the Canadian military needs nearly everything in their inventory replaced—yesterday, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is doing her best to point to the progress being made, but the fact is that the Canadian military needs nearly everything in their inventory replaced—yesterday, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
Canada has partnered with the U.S. on Operation Caribbe, a counter-narcotic effort in the Caribbean, since 2006. DND photograph by 12 Wing Imaging Services
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
Canada has partnered with the U.S. on Operation Caribbe, a counter-narcotic effort in the Caribbean, since 2006. DND photograph by 12 Wing Imaging Services
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
Defence reporter David Pugliese, left, was left to defend himself after former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander lobbed now-debunked allegations at an October 2024 House committee meeting that he was a foreign spy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and screenshot courtesy of ParlVu
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
Defence reporter David Pugliese, left, was left to defend himself after former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander lobbed now-debunked allegations at an October 2024 House committee meeting that he was a foreign spy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and screenshot courtesy of ParlVu
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump told a group of assembled generals that their country was ‘under invasion from within’ on Sept. 30. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/PBS NewsHour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump told a group of assembled generals that their country was ‘under invasion from within’ on Sept. 30. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/PBS NewsHour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the High-Level Segment of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York on Sept. 22. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the High-Level Segment of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York on Sept. 22. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
Canadian soldiers take part in Exercise Resolute Warrior in Latvia in 2024. A House of Commons committee recently heard that the Canadian Army does not have enough vehicles to support the forward deployed NATO mission in Latvia and conduct a similar-sized training exercise in Canada, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence/Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
Canadian soldiers take part in Exercise Resolute Warrior in Latvia in 2024. A House of Commons committee recently heard that the Canadian Army does not have enough vehicles to support the forward deployed NATO mission in Latvia and conduct a similar-sized training exercise in Canada, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence/Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
Members of a CH-147F Chinook medical team with Operation Presence in Mali in 2018. With 14 CH-147F Chinooks remaining in RCAF service, Canada possesses a considerable aviation asset, but one suited to wage a counter-insurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera/MCpl. Jennifer Kusche
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
Members of a CH-147F Chinook medical team with Operation Presence in Mali in 2018. With 14 CH-147F Chinooks remaining in RCAF service, Canada possesses a considerable aviation asset, but one suited to wage a counter-insurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera/MCpl. Jennifer Kusche
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
It’s understandable that the military brass at Camp Adazi would try to impress Prime Minister Mark Carney, but it’s putting lipstick on a pig, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of X
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
It’s understandable that the military brass at Camp Adazi would try to impress Prime Minister Mark Carney, but it’s putting lipstick on a pig, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of X
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
Mark Carney
If Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to actually put Canadian boots on the ground in Ukraine, he needs to make some tough decisions, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of X
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
Mark Carney
If Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to actually put Canadian boots on the ground in Ukraine, he needs to make some tough decisions, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of X
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
Due to alleged soldier misconduct, Canada’s military has received three black eyes in rapid succession, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Brian Lindgren
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
Due to alleged soldier misconduct, Canada’s military has received three black eyes in rapid succession, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Brian Lindgren
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
A 12-month stint of required youth service with the military could be a much-enhanced version of the current Naval Experience Program, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Braden Trudeau
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
A 12-month stint of required youth service with the military could be a much-enhanced version of the current Naval Experience Program, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Braden Trudeau
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
There are downsides to cancelling the remainder of the F-35 purchase and operating a mixed fighter fleet into the future, but the savings may balance out, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
There are downsides to cancelling the remainder of the F-35 purchase and operating a mixed fighter fleet into the future, but the savings may balance out, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
The RCMP arrested four men on July 8 who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area. Military-style training in which the accused took part. Photograph courtesy of the RCMP
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
The RCMP arrested four men on July 8 who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area. Military-style training in which the accused took part. Photograph courtesy of the RCMP
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
Members of Lord Strathcona's Horse spent 10 days as the King’s Life Guard. Using regular force and reserve combat soldiers to parade in period costume is no longer necessary, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
Members of Lord Strathcona's Horse spent 10 days as the King’s Life Guard. Using regular force and reserve combat soldiers to parade in period costume is no longer necessary, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2023
Members of multiple nations conduct a firepower demonstration for media and special guests during Operation Reassurance at Camp Adazi, Latvia, on March 29, 2023. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2023
Members of multiple nations conduct a firepower demonstration for media and special guests during Operation Reassurance at Camp Adazi, Latvia, on March 29, 2023. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2023
At a Sept. 28 House Defence Committee meeting, Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre admitted that trimming nearly $1-billion from the DND budget would have an impact on operations, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2023
At a Sept. 28 House Defence Committee meeting, Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre admitted that trimming nearly $1-billion from the DND budget would have an impact on operations, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2023
As Canada’s top soldier, General Wayne Eyre represents every serving member and veteran in the country and it’s a career officer of his rank would be so ignorant of military history as to not realize that Yaroslav Hunka must be a Nazi soldier, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2023
As Canada’s top soldier, General Wayne Eyre represents every serving member and veteran in the country and it’s a career officer of his rank would be so ignorant of military history as to not realize that Yaroslav Hunka must be a Nazi soldier, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2023
Vice-Admiral J.R. Auchterlonie, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, speaks to the Canadian Armed Forces members tasked with training recruits of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during Operation Unifier in the United Kingdom on May 18. DND photograph by Corporal Marco Tijam
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2023
Vice-Admiral J.R. Auchterlonie, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, speaks to the Canadian Armed Forces members tasked with training recruits of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during Operation Unifier in the United Kingdom on May 18. DND photograph by Corporal Marco Tijam
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2023
Instead of replacing the aging Polaris fleet, surely it would be cheaper and a better use of resources for the various government departments to simply charter the passenger flights on an ‘as-required’ basis, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2023
Instead of replacing the aging Polaris fleet, surely it would be cheaper and a better use of resources for the various government departments to simply charter the passenger flights on an ‘as-required’ basis, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2023
The skyline of Russia's capital is now speckled with modern skyscrapers built within the last two decades. Photograph courtesy of Scott Taylor
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2023
The skyline of Russia's capital is now speckled with modern skyscrapers built within the last two decades. Photograph courtesy of Scott Taylor
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 11, 2023
The HMCS Ottawa flies the Battle Ensign during a photo exercise while transiting the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 26, 2023. The ship was among an allied battle group East China Sea that encountered a pair of Chinese warship in the East China Sea last week. DND photograph by Aviator Gregory Cole
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 11, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 11, 2023
The HMCS Ottawa flies the Battle Ensign during a photo exercise while transiting the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 26, 2023. The ship was among an allied battle group East China Sea that encountered a pair of Chinese warship in the East China Sea last week. DND photograph by Aviator Gregory Cole
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 4, 2023
For the men and women of 8 Wing, the charges against Col. Leif Dahl, left, are the second time the trust in their leadership and chain of command have been challenged in recent memory, writes Scott Taylor. Photographs courtesy of DND, Lieutenant Kurt Visser
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 4, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 4, 2023
For the men and women of 8 Wing, the charges against Col. Leif Dahl, left, are the second time the trust in their leadership and chain of command have been challenged in recent memory, writes Scott Taylor. Photographs courtesy of DND, Lieutenant Kurt Visser
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2023
Russian authorities say Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead following an Aug. 23 plane crash north of Moscow, but almost nothing in Russian politics is exactly as it seems, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of the BBC
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2023
Russian authorities say Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead following an Aug. 23 plane crash north of Moscow, but almost nothing in Russian politics is exactly as it seems, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of the BBC
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2023
Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, mentor Ukrainian recruits during a trench clearance on Operation Unifier, on Feb. 2 in the United Kingdom. Since the spring of 2015, Canada’s Operation Unifier has trained more than 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Eric Greico
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2023
Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, mentor Ukrainian recruits during a trench clearance on Operation Unifier, on Feb. 2 in the United Kingdom. Since the spring of 2015, Canada’s Operation Unifier has trained more than 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Eric Greico