Friday, February 13, 2026

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Friday, February 13, 2026 | Latest Paper

Inside Defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 9, 2026
Replacements are on order for the Army's current Arctic-capable fleet of Bandvagn 206s, which has more or less lapsed into oblivion, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Alana Morin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 9, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 9, 2026
Replacements are on order for the Army's current Arctic-capable fleet of Bandvagn 206s, which has more or less lapsed into oblivion, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Alana Morin
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 | November 6, 2019
U.S President Donald Trump, pictured Oct. 27 during his announcement of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death. Photograph courtesy of The White House's Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 6, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 6, 2019
U.S President Donald Trump, pictured Oct. 27 during his announcement of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death. Photograph courtesy of The White House's Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 30, 2019
National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced the creation of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol—a team of bureaucrats tasked with monitoring the federal election campaign for foreign interference—in January. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 30, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 30, 2019
National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced the creation of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol—a team of bureaucrats tasked with monitoring the federal election campaign for foreign interference—in January. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 23, 2019
Neither Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, or NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh put forward concrete foreign policy during the recent election campaign, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 23, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 23, 2019
Neither Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, or NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh put forward concrete foreign policy during the recent election campaign, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2019
It was in the immediate aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region that Turkey’s President Recep Erdoğan launched his cross-border attack, writes Scott Taylor. Mr. Trump and Mr. Erdoğan are pictured at the G20 meeting in Japan in June. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Gage Skidmore
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2019
It was in the immediate aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region that Turkey’s President Recep Erdoğan launched his cross-border attack, writes Scott Taylor. Mr. Trump and Mr. Erdoğan are pictured at the G20 meeting in Japan in June. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Gage Skidmore
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2019
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. The Liberals and Conservatives are currently in a dead heat in the polls, and similarly, there is little difference between the two major parties when it comes to their policies on defence, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2019
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. The Liberals and Conservatives are currently in a dead heat in the polls, and similarly, there is little difference between the two major parties when it comes to their policies on defence, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2019
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured, is now facing an impeachment inquiry following a whistleblower’s complaint alleging the president had attempted 'to solicit interference' from Ukraine in advance of the 2020 elections in the U.S.A., writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2019
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured, is now facing an impeachment inquiry following a whistleblower’s complaint alleging the president had attempted 'to solicit interference' from Ukraine in advance of the 2020 elections in the U.S.A., writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2019
In the wake of the latest strike on Saudi oil production, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured at a press conference in Ottawa with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in August, has reaffirmed the position that America is firmly backing Saudi Arabia and that all possible means of military retaliation against Iran are on the table. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2019
In the wake of the latest strike on Saudi oil production, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured at a press conference in Ottawa with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in August, has reaffirmed the position that America is firmly backing Saudi Arabia and that all possible means of military retaliation against Iran are on the table. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2019
Trump will spin this whole cancellation and claim that this incident only proves he is still a master negotiator who was not intimidated by the Taliban’s continued campaign of terror, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2019
Trump will spin this whole cancellation and claim that this incident only proves he is still a master negotiator who was not intimidated by the Taliban’s continued campaign of terror, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2019
Dutch and Canadian air crew watch a training exercise off the flight deck of the Dutch ship Evertsen in the Adriatic Sea during Operation Reassurance, on May 20, 2019. Based on the latest report, it remains crystal clear that the Canadian military has a huge problem with sexual misconduct, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Daan Meijerman
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2019
Dutch and Canadian air crew watch a training exercise off the flight deck of the Dutch ship Evertsen in the Adriatic Sea during Operation Reassurance, on May 20, 2019. Based on the latest report, it remains crystal clear that the Canadian military has a huge problem with sexual misconduct, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Daan Meijerman
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2019
On Aug. 12, Gen. Jonathan Vance issued new guidelines warning against tattoos on military members of anything considered to be sexually explicit, discriminatory, racist, extremist, homophobic, misogynistic, sexist, or evidence of membership in a criminal organization. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2019
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2019
On Aug. 12, Gen. Jonathan Vance issued new guidelines warning against tattoos on military members of anything considered to be sexually explicit, discriminatory, racist, extremist, homophobic, misogynistic, sexist, or evidence of membership in a criminal organization. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay