As Canada enters the next century, developments in technology, a changing world and increased commitments will create new challenges for CF Air Command.
One of the most important roles is the safeguarding of Canada's sovereignty over land and sea. Long-range aircraft patrols and air transport are crucial to the Canadian presence in the Far North and off both coasts.
Air Command will also support civilian operations such as search and rescue, smuggling interdiction and offshore fisheries patrols. In addition, involvement in NATO and NORAD, UN peacekeeping and humanitarian aid
programs will continue.
This era's most exciting development is space exploration. Canada's contribution to aerospace technology - the Canadarm - and space shuttle flights by Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar, Steve McLean and Chris Hadfield prove that Canadians still share the same spirit of adventure and love of flying as the first "Winged Pioneers".
