Canada missile defence has officially moved from background concern to stated priority. The Chief of Defence Staff named Russian missile technology as the country's biggest threat, and Richard Shimooka, military expert and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, breaks down what that actually means for a country with more Arctic territory to defend than budget to defend it with.

Russia spent years testing long-range cruise missiles in Syria and Ukraine before turning that capability into a credible threat against North America. North Korea and Iran are developing similar systems. The response Canada has underway includes an over-the-horizon radar contract just signed with an Australian company and a NORAD modernization plan that traces back to 2022, but the fighter jet decision that should have anchored all of it is roughly a decade behind allies who committed to the F-35 years ago.

Shimooka lays out exactly where the plan is solid and where a few specific choices, like a mismatched airborne early warning system, could undo the progress.

Topics: Canada missile defense, NORAD modernization, Arctic defence Canada, F-35 fighter jets, continental defence

GUEST: Richard Shimooka

Originally aired on 2026-06-29

Canada missile defence has officially moved from background concern to stated priority. The Chief of Defence Staff named Russian missile technology as the country's biggest threat, and Richard Shimooka, military expert and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, breaks down what that actually means for a country with more Arctic territory to defend than budget to defend it with.
Russia spent years testing long-range cruise missiles in Syria and Ukraine before turning that capability into a credible threat against North America. North Korea and Iran are developing similar systems. The response Canada has underway includes an over-the-horizon radar contract just signed with an Australian company and a NORAD modernization plan that traces back to 2022, but the fighter jet decision that should have anchored all of it is roughly a decade behind allies who committed to the F-35 years ago.
Shimooka lays out exactly where the plan is solid and where a few specific choices, like a mismatched airborne early warning system, could undo the progress.
Topics: Canada missile defense, NORAD modernization, Arctic defence Canada, F-35 fighter jets, continental defence
GUEST: Richard Shimooka
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-29

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.