Canadian defense strategy took a historic turn last week. The old concept meant preparedness for overseas wars; the new emphasizes air power and radar screens for home defense. In Canada’s new $1,775,000,000 defense budget, the biggest share (42¢ of every $1) was assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Part of the appropriation will be spent to build and man more Canada-U.S. radar stations in the Far North. One radar network, the Pinetree Chain, is already in operation, and two more are being built this year. The balance of the air force’s budget will be used to make the R.C.A.F. the nation’s biggest service, with 41 squadrons (2,845 planes) and a regular strength of 51,000 v. 49,000 in the army, 20,000 in the navy.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- L.A. Fires Show Reality of 1.5°C of Warming
- How Canada Fell Out of Love With Trudeau
- Trump Is Treating the Globe Like a Monopoly Board
- Bad Bunny On Heartbreak and New Album
- 10 Boundaries Therapists Want You to Set in the New Year
- The Motivational Trick That Makes You Exercise Harder
- Nicole Kidman Is a Pure Pleasure to Watch in Babygirl
- Column: Jimmy Carter’s Global Legacy Was Moral Clarity
Contact us at letters@time.com