Russia’s use of hypersonic missiles in Ukraine recently reminded us that this type of armament must be considered to protect a continent’s airspace. In North America, Norad, an aerospace command made up of the United States and Canada, is responsible for this surveillance and anti-aircraft defense.

In February 2023, its responsiveness was also tested when four flying objects, including one that Washington described as a Chinese spy balloon, were shot down over the United States and Canada.

>> Watch the 7:30 p.m. topic about spy balloons:

A weak Canadian defense

However, when these flying objects could eventually be shot down, these incursions proved a real snub to Norad and especially to its Canadian part.

“Some of these threats have required us to use American personnel to conduct interceptions in sovereign Canadian airspace. This called into question Canada’s credibility in providing the personnel necessary to defend its own interests in its sovereign space, space and aerospace,” explains Christian Leuprecht, Professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, on the program Tout un monde .

For this defense specialist, Americans do not need Canada at all to protect the continent. Not surprisingly, Ottawa is much more dependent, since without Norad it would lose a lot of military clout.

Aware of these shortcomings, Canadian authorities last year announced a $4.9 billion investment over the next six years to modernize and improve the capabilities of the continent’s aerospace command.

>> Read about: The shortcomings of Canada’s defenses were exposed through leaks of classified documents

Difficult to intercept missiles

However, the question of hypersonic weapons continues to arise, including for the United States. These missiles are actually much more difficult to detect and intercept.

“Currently there are no good ways to intercept them when they are on the move. The only option is to aim at the point of origin, and that inevitably poses a political problem, since it would be an interception of the sovereign territory of another opposing state, such as Russia or China,” explains Christian Leuprecht.

The problem could also worsen as new states begin to acquire this technology, which was once reserved for the US, China and Russia. France now has this type of missile, while other countries such as North Korea, South Korea, Japan and Iran are developing it.

Radio subject: Justine Leblond

Web adaptation: there