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Much of this AU scenario is based upon the idea of "what if the Canadian Forces were funded at a level that would allow them to reach the agreed-upon 2% of GDP spending commitment?" That would give the Canadian Forces an annual budget of US$44.4 billion, a nearly 70% increase over the present budget of US$26.4 billion annually. As a point of comparison, the Australian Defence Force spent US$34.7 billion in their 2021-22 budget, reflecting 2% of their GDP. How would the Canadian Forces look under this scenario? Probably a lot more like the ADF - with a full suite of capabilities, such as airborne early warning, amphibious power projection, precision artillery systems including rocket artillery and self-propelled systems, and a credible air defence capability including ballistic missile defence (BMD).
In this scenario, the RCAF orders the C-27J Spartan (Canadian designation CC-227J) in a sole-source contract to replace their aging CC-115 Buffalo aircraft, which had been retained in a STOL/light transport role in addition to being tasked with search and rescue. The first aircraft arrives in 2015, being assigned to a reconstituted No. 411 Squadron. The role of No. 411 Squadron includes tactical airlift, providing airdrop capability for paratroops, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief.
Concurrently to the CC-227J entering service in the transport role, the RCAF is also launching their Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) program to replace their CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules aircraft which have been operating in the search and rescue role for several decades. Owing to fleet commonality as well as the larger, more spacious cabin and longer range, the C-27J beats out the C-295, its main competitor. The RCAF partners with Alenia, now Leonardo, to become the launch partner for the new C-27J Next Generation, outfitted with winglets for increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), as well as an in-flight refueling probe which allows for extended mission endurance - a key capability for providing search and rescue coverage to Canada's far north.
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Special thanks to Darth Panda for the excellent C-27J drawing. I've tried to make some improvements to the drawing, inspired by the fantastic work of Ro-Po Max. Shading and highlights have been re-worked, and the on-ground drawing with the landing gear extended is new. Feel free to use - cheers!
I want to see more drawings here 
![[ img ]](https://i.imgur.com/6QjTlax.png)
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