The forgotten history of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) once having aircraft carriers is an often overlooked part of Canadian military history. The HMCS Bonaventure was the last aircraft carrier in the RCN, operating jet fighters and anti-submarine warfare aircraft in the Atlantic until 1970. The end of this era marked the beginning of shrinking Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the post-Cold War era.
Canada played a significant role in NATO, with contributions such as air defence missiles and strike aircraft. However, over the years, the Canadian military has decreased substantially in size and capability. Currently the country fails to meet the target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense, with only 1.29 percent of GDP spent on defense projects in 2023.
The RCN is facing personnel shortages among other challenges. Gen. Wayne Eyre has regarded the Canadian military’s diminishing numbers and lack of funds as a “challenge” to support larger missions. Despite these obstacles, the article argues that a return to the military capacity of the successful Bonaventure era is achievable if Canada commits more to its defense spending.
The article suggests that Canada could expand its navy by constructing new ships, acquiring vessels from the U.S. Navy, and seeking arrangements with other countries for shipbuilding. These recommendations include constructing replenishment vessels, aviation-capable ships, and expeditionary support vessels to support the RCN. The AUKUS Agreement is cited as a possible means for Canada to expand its military capabilities in cooperation with other countries. If pursued, these efforts would allow Canada to return to the military strength of its earlier days and contribute to the global balance of power.