In 1963, Canada agreed with the United States to deploy nuclear-armed AIR-2A Genie rockets—a decision that would significantly bolster its deterrent capability and intertwine its defense policy with the American nuclear umbrella.
The Genie, an unguided air-to-air rocket armed with a nuclear warhead, was intended to intercept and destroy enemy bomber fleets, a terrifying but necessary counterbalance during a time of global tension. It wasn’t until the stringent training requirements were satisfied that in June 1965, Canada’s Genie-equipped fleet reached operational status.
The specifics of the Genie rockets’ custody underlined the bilateral nature of this defense pact. “The agreement specifically stated that the AIR-2A Genie rockets were the property of the United States and would only be released to Canada for actual use with the joint agreement of Canada and the United States through NORAD,” a key detail indicating the extent of Canadian-American military cooperation.
These powerful weapons were to be delivered by the CF-101 Voodoo jets, which, between July 1961 and May 1962, were acquired from the final production block of ex-USAF machines. Not new builds but transferred hardware, these aircraft were re-serialled and tailored to Canadian needs, although they never utilized their air-to-air refueling capability due to the lack of tanker aircraft in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at the time.
The Voodoo jets, while formidable, were not without their issues. The reliability of the afterburners, a critical component for the jet engines, was a significant problem, “seriously reducing the reliability.” This technical hurdle was overcome by Bristol Aerospace Ltd. in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After conducting a technical study and submitting a proposal for repair and modification, they managed a fix that more than doubled the service life of the afterburners—a testament to Canadian ingenuity and commitment to maintaining their defense capabilities.
As the years passed and technology evolved, a modernization program known as “Operation Peace Wings” was initiated in 1970. This saw the exchange of Canada’s initial fleet for 66 refurbished and updated F-101B interceptors and ten F-101F operational trainers. These were older models but had been enhanced with infrared sensors and improved fire control systems under Project Bold Journey. The modernized aircraft were distinguishable by their flush NACA inlet and infrared head, and served well into the early 1980s before being replaced by the technologically superior McDonnell Douglas CF-18A/B Hornets.
Relevant articles:
– McDonnell CF, New Brunswick Aviation Museum
– The Glenn L Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, mdairmuseum.org
– Why is Canada still supporting the use of nuclear weapons?, People’s World, Aug 2, 2023
– Atlantic Canada Aviation museum, Atlantic Canada Aviation museum