[Newsbot]

Title: Canadian army shopping for rocket launchers
Category: Military
Posted By: Hyack
Date: 2009-01-08 22:10:41
Canadian

[SigPig]

Interesting concept and I understand the logic of being prepared for all eventualites. But aren't there more pressing needs at the moment that need tobe addressed? Namely SAR planes, replacing/refurbishing the LAV fleet, and destroyers?

Though this would be a nice piece of kit, I think we need to prioritize.

[roger-roger]

Im with you on this one Sig.

[bootlegga]

SigPig SigPig:

Interesting concept and I understand the logic of being prepared for all eventualites. But aren't there more pressing needs at the moment that need tobe addressed? Namely SAR planes, replacing/refurbishing the LAV fleet, and destroyers?

Though this would be a nice piece of kit, I think we need to prioritize.

I agree there are other priorities, but try selling a $4 billion plan to build some new destroyers, $3 billion for SAR planes or $2 billion to refurbish the LAVs. But odds are they can get a bunch of MLRS for far less than any of those other platforms (maybe not 17, but half a dozen or so).

DND is playing the odds and asking for what it thinks the government will spend in these trying economic times. Frankly, I think a bunch of Buffaloes built by Viking Air and some destroyers built in Canadian shipyards would go a long way to helping both sides (the military and the economy).

[Bacardi4206]

SigPig SigPig:

Interesting concept and I understand the logic of being prepared for all eventualites. But aren't there more pressing needs at the moment that need tobe addressed? Namely SAR planes, replacing/refurbishing the LAV fleet, and destroyers?

Though this would be a nice piece of kit, I think we need to prioritize.

This would be a lot better off, I would much prefer more Navy or Armor vehicles in action but this is of high-priority due to the guided munitions. It can hit targets a lot more accurate and reduce civilian casualties.

[Bacardi4206]

bootlegga bootlegga:

DND is playing the odds and asking for what it thinks the government will spend in these trying economic times. Frankly, I think a bunch of Buffaloes built by Viking Air and some destroyers built in Canadian shipyards would go a long way to helping both sides (the military and the economy).

That's what I don't get about the Government, we spend all this money on handme-down's from other countries when they could create more jobs and boost the economy if they just made it themselves. Gotta love Canada, just got to hate our government's lack of economy sense. Depending on whoring off all our natural resources rather than building alternatives for more economic boost, job creation and something to be there when we run out of whoring off all our resources.

[SigPig]

bootlegga bootlegga:

I agree there are other priorities, but try selling a $4 billion plan to build some new destroyers, $3 billion for SAR planes or $2 billion to refurbish the LAVs. But odds are they can get a bunch of MLRS for far less than any of those other platforms (maybe not 17, but half a dozen or so).

DND is playing the odds and asking for what it thinks the government will spend in these trying economic times. Frankly, I think a bunch of Buffaloes built by Viking Air and some destroyers built in Canadian shipyards would go a long way to helping both sides (the military and the economy).

I think they will have a harder time selling a cheaper plan to buy rocket launchers because outside of Afghanistan there is no clear use for these. The result would likely be they just sit in Canada being fired occasionally for training purposes.

The other more expensive things like SAR planes, and LAVs are much more directly benefitial. We need the planes very badly cuz the Buffalos are ready to go. The LAV is THE primary infantry vehicle and will go with them on whatever mission they get sent in the future. The same with destroyers which are essential for the Navy to do its job. All are much more important than, what I feel to be, unnecessary rocket launchers in a time when we have Excalibur shells for the M-777's.

[bootlegga]

SigPig SigPig:

I think they will have a harder time selling a cheaper plan to buy rocket launchers because outside of Afghanistan there is no clear use for these. The result would likely be they just sit in Canada being fired occasionally for training purposes.

The other more expensive things like SAR planes, and LAVs are much more directly benefitial. We need the planes very badly cuz the Buffalos are ready to go. The LAV is THE primary infantry vehicle and will go with them on whatever mission they get sent in the future. The same with destroyers which are essential for the Navy to do its job. All are much more important than, what I feel to be, unnecessary rocket launchers in a time when we have Excalibur shells for the M-777's.

I agree with you totally. That's the case for lots of weapons platforms in the CF.

Look at the ADATS system. They've wanted to replace it for years, but haven't been able to convince any government of a real need to. After all, there's not a whole lot of Taliban fighter planes to shoot down...

[commanderkai]

bootlegga bootlegga:

I agree with you totally. That's the case for lots of weapons platforms in the CF.

Look at the ADATS system. They've wanted to replace it for years, but haven't been able to convince any government of a real need to. After all, there's not a whole lot of Taliban fighter planes to shoot down...

Kinda makes me wish the Soviet Union was still around. The Cold War had its uses, to be sure, and the fear of Soviet invasion could of made sure our equipment kept getting upgraded.